fans

encore · April 14, 2019

just wondering, those who use fans on their tomato seedlings, when do you start using the fans, and for how long do you have them on for? thanks----tom

jtjmartin · April 14, 2019

I germinate seeds in my home office and then transfer them to the cooler garage once they germinate. I keep a fan going for the 12 hours the lights are on.

Newly transplanted/ grafted plants get a little break in the corner until they can handle more air movement. I think it's key to stronger, thicker plants. As in any hardening off - I always start low and slow and gradually increase.

My first tomatoes went into the ground about a week ago here. The wind was HORRIBLE on Friday - I was surprised that the tomatoes held up fine.

oakley · April 14, 2019

^same as above but usually 24/7 on a low setting for small seedlings, then after potting
up I go a bit stronger. Back room lower level so I need the airflow now that the weather
is warming. Rain and humidity.
Mine is not oscillating so I move it left/right daily.

April 14, 2019

I turn them on from the beginning and leave them until the plants are hardened off and living outside. 24/7 oscillating on low in one room, 24/7 ceiling fan on low in the other, both about 7' or 8' from the plants.

jtjmartin · April 14, 2019

Next year, the fan will get plugged into a surge protector not on the timer. No reason not to go 24/7!

Fred Hempel · April 14, 2019

I was hoping this was a post about how awesome the Golden State Warriors are, and where fans of Steph Curry and the guys could post.

I do agree about the fans though. Great for stem strengthening!!!

SQWIBB · April 14, 2019

Mine run as soon as the seedlings emerge and the fans run 16 hours with the lights.
I run my lights at night 6pm - 10am.

AlittleSalt · April 15, 2019

I agree 24/7. Try to simulate nature while still being overprotective when they are in the seedling stage (Low fan). As they mature, get them ready for what is normal where you live. You might find this funny, but our spring tomato seedlings get started on my wife's chest of drawers in our bedroom - that's where we have room in a heated area, so we use it.

rxkeith · April 15, 2019

never used a fan here.

i lightly brush the tops with my fingers a few times a day during their time in doors.
saves on electricity.

keith

April 14, 2019	#1
encore Tomatovillian™ Join Date: May 2015 Location: wisconsin Posts: 536	fans just wondering, those who use fans on their tomato seedlings, when do you start using the fans, and for how long do you have them on for? thanks----tom

April 14, 2019	#2
jtjmartin Tomatovillian™ Join Date: May 2016 Location: Williamsburg VA Zone 7b Posts: 1,110	I germinate seeds in my home office and then transfer them to the cooler garage once they germinate. I keep a fan going for the 12 hours the lights are on. Newly transplanted/ grafted plants get a little break in the corner until they can handle more air movement. I think it's key to stronger, thicker plants. As in any hardening off - I always start low and slow and gradually increase. My first tomatoes went into the ground about a week ago here. The wind was HORRIBLE on Friday - I was surprised that the tomatoes held up fine.

April 14, 2019	#3
oakley Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: NewYork 5a Posts: 2,303	^same as above but usually 24/7 on a low setting for small seedlings, then after potting up I go a bit stronger. Back room lower level so I need the airflow now that the weather is warming. Rain and humidity. Mine is not oscillating so I move it left/right daily.

April 14, 2019	#4
MdTNGrdner Guest Posts: n/a	I turn them on from the beginning and leave them until the plants are hardened off and living outside. 24/7 oscillating on low in one room, 24/7 ceiling fan on low in the other, both about 7' or 8' from the plants.

April 14, 2019	#6
Fred Hempel Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Sunol, CA Posts: 2,723	I was hoping this was a post about how awesome the Golden State Warriors are, and where fans of Steph Curry and the guys could post. I do agree about the fans though. Great for stem strengthening!!!

April 14, 2019	#7
SQWIBB Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Jan 2018 Location: Philly 7A Posts: 739	Mine run as soon as the seedlings emerge and the fans run 16 hours with the lights. I run my lights at night 6pm - 10am.

April 15, 2019	#8
AlittleSalt BANNED FOR LIFE Join Date: May 2014 Posts: 13,333	I agree 24/7. Try to simulate nature while still being overprotective when they are in the seedling stage (Low fan). As they mature, get them ready for what is normal where you live. You might find this funny, but our spring tomato seedlings get started on my wife's chest of drawers in our bedroom - that's where we have room in a heated area, so we use it.

April 15, 2019	#9
rxkeith Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Back in da U.P. Posts: 1,848	never used a fan here. i lightly brush the tops with my fingers a few times a day during their time in doors. saves on electricity. keith