Tomato seedlings question

melco · #1 04/15/11, 07:13 AM

Is there any reason why I couldnt put my tomato seedlings outside in the shadey/little sun area for a couple of hours eveyday. I know to do this when I harden them off but why couldnt I just do it eveyday? Wouldnt that make them heartier from the beginning. They are about a week old. Your thoughts?

olivehill · #2 04/15/11, 07:29 AM

Where do you live? What are the temps?

Belfrybat · #3 04/15/11, 08:17 AM

This is probably going to come across as cranky, but why on earth do people post questions like the above without any indication of where they live? If near the artic circle, then NO -- they will freeze within 2 hours. If in the deep South they should already be in the ground and will have blooms and fruit on them.

melco · #4 04/15/11, 10:44 AM

Well sorry about that yau'll, I am in NW Georgia zone 7. I would not put them out if/when it is cold, about 70ish or so during the time periods I would have them out there. I realize they wouldnt like adverse temps/weather at this point. I am not deep south enough to have them in the ground and I started them a little late due to life getting in the way. I am just trying to help them be a bit heartier. I have started my own seeds for the past 3 years and am impressed how much stronger they are than "store bought", I guess I am jsut trying to push the buck so to speak. So, with that, and under a watchful eye. Should they be ok?

oregon woodsmok · #5 04/15/11, 12:56 PM

Yes, as long as air temperatures are suitable, seedlings can go outside for a bit.

I wouldn't put them into direct sun until they get a larger stalk on them. When they are first up, they wilt almost instantly. If you have a spot that is filtered sun and protected from strong winds, I would expect them to be able to take quite a bit of time outside.

melco · #6 04/15/11, 02:38 PM

Thanks Oregon Woodsmok, very helpful info