Back under the lights?

[Salsamaker]

I staggered the start of my seedlings so I now have 2 batches. The seedlings in the first batch are nearly trees at 14 inches and are stretching out. The 2nd batch are stocky 7 inchers. They have had a week of hardening off in the warmer temperatures we have had in the western suburbs of Chicago. Unfortunately the forecast over the next several days calls for highs in the upper 40’s to mid-50’s with lows in the upper 30’s. The weather will warm into the 60’s and 70’s by mid to end of next week. Would you put them back under the grow lights or keep them outdoors or garage? Thanks in advance for your recommendations.

[Stepheninky]

Our weather was not to different than what you have predicted a couple of weeks ago. For the most part I left mine outside but any nights it was below 38 -39 Deg F and there was any chance of frost we moved them into the garage.

You will probably get many suggestions and they will all be fine to be honest. There are threads on Tville if you do a search about cold treatment of tomato seedlings.
Really it just comes down to what you are comfortable with. Also I would suggest using the feels like temp (factoring in the winds) than just going by the thermometer readings

[les matzek]

as long as the sunlight is strong
you can leave them outside in
forties and fifties the plants will
be fine just protect them the
wind.
i would bring them in before the
sun goes down you can then
put them under the lights,good
luck and regards.

les

[Salsamaker]

Stepheninky and Les,

Thanks so much for your quick reply's. I will definitely follow both our your advice and leave them out during the day and bring them in on the especially cold nights. Thanks again and have a great tomato growing season!

[Allura]

Hi neighbor, I can relate to your dilemma. My tomatoes are about the same size as your larger ones and they've been hardening off for about two weeks now. BTW, your plants look terrific! Keep them outside during the daytime to soak up the natural light and get used to the wind movement. If it gets really chilly at night 30-40's, put them in the garage or somewhere close to the house or under something like a table with a tarp or cloth thrown over. You want to keep them tough for when they're finally planted inground.

This weekend is pretty nasty after the 90's we had this week! I'm keeping my plants outside but in a plastic greenhouse and they're doing good. This coming week should be good for planting into the ground.

Good luck on your crop and may we have a decent summer (if it ever gets here)!

[Salsamaker]

Thanks for the good advice Allura. I’ll keep my plants “tough.” Have a great growing season!