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Ohio

When is it ok to keep ur seedling uncoverd outside? when the temps get into the low 50"s at night is it ok to keep them uncovered, and during the day what is a safe temp to leave them uncovered.

5/3/2004 6:44:52 AM

Western Pa.

I think they'll SURVIVE down to about 40 degrees. But they will do better if you keep them warmer.Do you have a cloche or mini-greenhouse? If not, I'd build one now! A light bulb or small heater inside will make it nice and cozy. I use an old pelonis ceramic disc heater. I usually remove the cloches around June 10, but there will be days before then in the 70's and 80's where you'll need to ventillate, either by cutting some flaps or blocking up a corner of your cloche. A thermometer will keep you on top of things!

5/3/2004 8:20:47 AM

Rexburg, Idaho

My July lows last year averaged 44 degrees. Yes your plants will survive and even thrive at the temps you are talking about. However, if all possible I would keep them warmer.

5/3/2004 8:29:44 AM

Canada

Yup latley around here its been at least in the 60's dureing the day but some nights have come close to the
30's, Right now id feel save leaving my plants outside un covered dureing the day but at night they need to be covered. If you dont have a greenhouse you can even make one fairly cheap. What i did was i purchased a couple 2x4's
@ 1.79 each 2x4x6 ft long, built 2 small greenhouses they are 4x4x3.5 ft tall just basic square ones. reason for this is because i didnt have the room for storage for a larger one in the off season thats why i made 2 smaller ones. at night the temps stay up and dureing the day i keep the one side a tad open. mind you my plants arent outside as of yet but will be probably by tonight or tomouro mourning

later Dave

5/3/2004 1:30:51 PM

Montoursville, PA

It's different,for all of us, but the basics are the same. I have had full vented cold frames already. Tonight we have possible frost. I use a shop light and common sense. Some gray days the light adds enough heat to equal a cool summer growing day. More discussion on this in my diary.

The basics I try to maintain are above 50 degrees and below one ninety degrees. They will take a hundred degrees for awhile but that is living on the edge of cooking them.

5/3/2004 10:29:01 PM

Ohio

I have a 2 feet by about 4 feet green house, and last night it was 33 the low, I Had it in the little green house with a 60 watt light bulb inside, looked at it this morning and its doing great, suppose to be in the 70's and 80,s for the next 10 days. but just to be on the safe side anything below the 50s I will keep them covered. Thanks for the info.

5/4/2004 8:49:45 AM

Ohio

doc, i used ur cold frame idea but made it alot smaller, we seem to be pretty close in location prolly about 5 hours, I will keep a watch on your diary and try follow ur lead.

5/4/2004 8:54:21 AM