Temps for seedlings

[get the red out]

I have a dilemma in Lexington, KY. I somehow (despite my usual anxiousness) started my tomato and pepper seedlings right on time to plant next Sunday (we aren't supposed to plant the garden until AFTER the Derby, and gardeners WILL be reminded if they talk to other gardeners, LOLA). Usually it is warming up pretty well by then (though there could be rain) but this year temps all that week will dip way down, to low forties and even 38 and 39. I don't think I should plant the peppers, but I am wondering of the low nighttime temps are too much for the tomato's? The indeterminate are about 6 inches, re-potted once with the stems buried, the bush tomato's are about 4 inches with the same re-potting".

I should probably just get hold of myself and wait another week, but I have been hardening them off well in temps down to the hi 50s.

[splat]

1. Wait

Tomatoes stop growing when night temps drop below 50. There's no need to stress them this close to showtime.

[get the red out]

9. Yes, I believe now this is best

All of the input on the thread has solidified my decision.

[twodogsbarking]

2. Waiting is certainly good advice. I usually plant a few early. I too am anxious.

Eating the crops is great. Giving to others is more satisfying to me. Spread the pleasure. I live in the middle of Pa.

[MiHale]

3. Air temp is one thing...

Ground temperature is a little more important, if the roots are warm and cozy thats half the battle. For the above ground parts, leaves and such…cover with a light cloth. That will protect the above ground parts and use the ground warmth contained under the cloth.

I live in northern Michigan, lower peninsula, we have to deal with temperature swings all the time.

Good luck!

[get the red out]

7. Thanks

I wasn't thinking of ground temps, thanks!

[Whip-poor-will]

4. Testing

When you can sit comfortably on the ground with your bare bottom the soil is ready for transplants.

Advice from one of them old guys

[Coloradan4Truth]

5. That made me laugh

at the image I got. Thanks!

[70sEraVet]

6. The Bare-Assed Gardener on OhMyyyTV!!!

What will the neighbors think?
"Just testing the soil!"

[get the red out]

8. Dog

I could blame my dog for anything and it would be believable.

[usonian]

10. Chill!

Ladies and gentlemen, take my advice, pull down your pants and slide on the ice.


I grew up in New England.
Soil thawed in August.

Quote origin NOT MASH.

Search engines rewrite history like Big Brother's wildest dream.

The Theory and Practice of Oligarchical Collectivism, by Emmanuel Goldstein.
https://pastebin.com/raw/1cMi2iA9

[get the red out]

11. Thanks everyone

I am going to wait, it will give me extra time to top off my raised beds anyway. I have more than 'maters planned!

[Bayard]

12. I'm about an hour and a half west of you

I already have my whole garden planted. I'm ready to go once the temps are going to stay above freezing, especially with things like Brussel Sprouts, Broccoli, and lettuce. I did nursery plants with some, planted seeds otherwise. I put a thick layer of old hay around everything though.