Bring Oak Seedlings Inside ?

[Randy Dandy]

We have about 10 White Oak seedlings in pots that are from 2" to 5" tall. They have been in our south faced window from the start.
Today was their first day outside and they got a good soaking. Anyway I was going to leave them outside from now on unless the night temperature lows gets close to 32 degrees. Or do you think I should bring them inside at a higher temp like 40 degrees ?
Here is our local temperature forecast...
http://www.jrn.com/newschannel5/weather#l4

[northergardener]

Since the seedlings have leaves and are not dormant, you should not let them freeze outside. Personally I would bring them in at 40 degrees, but I don't think there is any actual harm until they freeze.

[po boy]

They should have spent the winter outside.

32 degrees should no hurt them..............

I'm in Watertown. Here's my forecast. If I had a few tomatoes ready and it would dry out some, I would plant a few and cover with buckets or pots if the temp drops blow 36........

ETA I would never put tree seedlings in the house unless they were tropical trees

[Randy Dandy]

Originally Posted by northergardener

Since the seedlings have leaves and are not dormant, you should not let them freeze outside. Personally I would bring them in at 40 degrees, but I don't think there is any actual harm until they freeze.

Sounds great thanks. They should be fine. I will be careful if it gets close to freezing.

[Randy Dandy]

Originally Posted by northergardener

Since the seedlings have leaves and are not dormant, you should not let them freeze outside. Personally I would bring them in at 40 degrees, but I don't think there is any actual harm until they freeze.

Originally Posted by po boy

They should have spent the winter outside.

32 degrees should no hurt them..............

I'm in Watertown. Here's my forecast. If I had a few tomatoes ready and it would dry out some, I would plant a few and cover with buckets or pots if the temp drops blow 36........

ETA I would never put tree seedlings in the house unless they were tropical trees

I planted several outside after collecting the acorns but they havent popped up yet of course. These are some we started inside from acorns through the winter and just wanted a back up in case the others dont come up. Im trying to adjust the ones grown inside to the outside elements and dont want to shock them or freeze them. Hope this makes sense.
Thanks

[Maura]

Put them outside each morning. Bring them in at dusk and put them in a cool dark place. When you are certain the night time temps will not get below 40, leave them outside in semi shade so they don’t dry out.

[Danaus29]

I understand your reason for potting up oak trees. I did it once. Tree is now 27 years old and looks good. Bring in at around 45*f, gradually acclimate them to sunshine just like any indoor started seedling. Don't leave them outdoors overnight until the temp stays above 45*f.