How Does Your Garden Grow
By teamrose
@teamrose (1492)
United States
June 1, 2012 7:45am CST
I sprout my seeds and then plant them into pots. I sprouted seeds between Feb 1st to Feb 14th. So the plants are small and still have only their basic leafs. Today it got to 75 degrees outside and the room with the grow light was nearly 90 degrees so I decided to set the lettuce out for an hour. Late in the day (I normally start hardening the plants Mar 1st for about 10 days). After an hour the lettuce still looked good so I also took out some tomatoes and squash. Now the lettuce has been out 2 hrs and the tomatoes and squash for 1 hr and the sun has just set. This is in partial shade.
Now, it's suppose to be 52 degrees tonight and 80degrees tomorrow. Think I can leave them out?
I know what hardening plants does to them, but normally it's taking them from 85 degrees room slowly into 40 degrees or 50 degrees weather. I just don't know how this already warm spell with affect them. Seems like it would be fine to me since the plants are small and the temp is high.
Anyone know?
1 person likes this
3 responses
@3SnuggleBunnies (16374)
• United States
2 Jun 12
You sound like you are having similar weather to us. One day it's 90 a few days later it's in the 50's. We just planted our garden earlier this week and everything seems to be holding up just fine. I would keep an eye on them and make sure they are watered. If you are concerned it's too cold you can take an old bed sheet and drape it over or you can use old milk jugs around them to keep them a lil warmer and rabbits away.
@marguicha (223720)
• Chile
2 Jun 12
I usually have lettuce as Winter crop as winters are mild where in live and summers are too warm. I had the seedlings in containers for a long time and they didn´t grow. Last week, I placed them in my raised beds and covered them with a plastic roof of sorts just in case of frost. The lettuce (and also some kale) thrived in that atmosphere, warm and wet.
@lrdl3535 (149)
• United States
27 Jul 12
The best way to get them use to the outdoors is to put them in a shed or patio. Some place where they will get the outside temperature change but not the direct wind or cold weather. Then move them to a place outside with afternoon shade for a couple of days. Another thing is to plant them in the evening and not in the afternoon or morning. The evening gives them the whole night to recover before the sun comes up.
