Quick seedling help needed!!! Outside already in MN???

milaneyjane 3/12/2012, 6:14 pm

Ok, so I currently have about 700 seedlings in some stage of sprouting and have round two to go. The good news...we have unseasonably warm weather here in MN....going to be in the high 60's and 70's. I just planted the seeds a week ago so the seedlings are baby new or not yet sprouted.

Here is my question: As long as it is warm, could I just set my seedlings out now during the day and bring them back in late in the day??? They shouldn't need hardening off if they are literally just sprouting would they? Would the natural sunlight be better than the artificial lights? If the weather were to cool off I could bring them back to the basement and lights. We haven't had temperatures this warm this early and just wondering what everyone thinks.

MamaO2012 3/19/2012, 12:29 pm

I'm interested to see what others say, but that is what I am doing. It'll be 82 in Cincinnati today. My Roma tomatoes just sprouted this morning, everything else hasn't just yet. Since it's warm and very sunny, I have everything outside on my sidewalk right now, enjoying the sunshine. I'll bring it all in tonight, and if it's dry and warm again tomorrow, I plan on taking them back out. Hopefully, the natural light and warmth will do them good!

dsfin 3/19/2012, 1:32 pm

Milaneyjane,

The natural light is always better than artificial light, just in general. For very young seedlings/sprouts you need to be careful they don't get much strong direct sun light. It can scorch them. They're probably not ready for that yet if they just sprouted.

Since you've got a good warm day, they can be outside if you keep them in a shaded area. As long as the temps in the shaded area is warm enough (that depends on what you are growing). Bringing them in at night is a must. They won't like it if the outside temps drop quickly towards the end of the day.

---Dave

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Quick seedling help needed!!! Outside already in MN???

Quick seedling help needed!!! Outside already in MN???

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Re: Quick seedling help needed!!! Outside already in MN???

Re: Quick seedling help needed!!! Outside already in MN???


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