Oiy! Just planted seedlings (temperature question)

[Francis Barnswallow]

I just planted tomato and pepper seedlings (both are around 5-8 inches in height) two days ago in the main garden. But the forecast for my area NOW is calling for low 40's at night this week instead of the upper 50's/low 60's as was previously forecasted last week.

Are they going to be okay during these cooler temps at night? Then again now that they're planted, I guess don't have a choice.

[applestar]

Peppers will be a problem. Tomatoes can handle it for short duration like hours at a time, but not if this goes on for several days -- turns purple and eventually yellows. Peppers can sulk and stop growing/become stunted.

How many plants are we talking about? You can cover them individually with 1/2 gallon or gallon size plastic jugs with bottoms cut off, leaving the top open. If using tomato cages, you can wrap the cages with plastic bags.

When plants are larger, you can cover with 5 gal buckets or cover their cages.

Or you could cover the entire row/raised bed with hoops and floating cover or plastic sheeting.

Key when covering is to remove the covers the next morning as soon as temperature warms back up, and especially when sunlight hits unventilated enclosed covers.

[estorms]

Hot Kaps are good if you have or can get some. I keep a whole stack on hand. You can also use sheets, newspaper, anything that won't crush them.

[jal_ut]

Temps like that are pretty common here right after planting tomatoes and peppers out. They seem to get by OK. As noted a bucket or gallon bottle with the top cut off makes a good cover for nighttime. Hot caps are a good investment.

[Francis Barnswallow]

I have 20 tomato seedlings and 12 pepper plants in two raised beds. Would covering them with old bed sheets be a good idea?

[gixxerific]

A bedsheet would be fine, just make sure it wont hurt the tender seedling while blowing around.

[Dillbert]

I'd recommend you get a thermometer you can use in the soil - for shallow seeds check the temp not more than one inch deep.

as to covering - clear plastic would be a better option - makes it's own little mini-greenhouse ie warms the soil faster.

[Francis Barnswallow]

Ok. Thanks everyone for the replies.