I'm nervous. My husband tells me they are just plants but junk, they are like my babies. Growing from seed creates an attachment. Overnight forecast is a low of 11 celsius but it's not until 4 AM and only for two hours.
Does anyone else get attached and get nervous about the big lifestyle changes?
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applestar
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Does the forecast tend to apply accurately for your garden? In my garden, it's always 2-3 °F lower than the official forecast, so 11°C = 51°F would be too borderline. Actually. I like 55°F or higher for tomatoes and 60°F or higher for peppers, 65°F or higher for eggplants.
But one two-hour exposure should be OK.
But one two-hour exposure should be OK.
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rainbowgardener
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Applestar is right, micro climates matter. My weather forecast comes from the airport which is out in outer suburbia (in fact in another state, the Cincinnati, OH airport is actually located in Kentucky!). I'm close to the inner city, so I can usually figure on being a couple degrees warmer. But on your property there are likely to be warmer and colder areas - low lying areas get colder, protected spots near a south wall stay warmer.
But to me the relevant part is first time. Hardening off makes a big difference. It's their first overnight, but they've been out in the daytime. Only in the sun or have they stayed out in the evening after sundown? If they've been out in the dark, how close to this cold have they been in. Once they are used to it, they will handle this temp much easier. Mature plants in the fall tolerate much colder temps than tender seedlings in the spring.
But to me the relevant part is first time. Hardening off makes a big difference. It's their first overnight, but they've been out in the daytime. Only in the sun or have they stayed out in the evening after sundown? If they've been out in the dark, how close to this cold have they been in. Once they are used to it, they will handle this temp much easier. Mature plants in the fall tolerate much colder temps than tender seedlings in the spring.
We don't have that luxury here in Kelowna. Overnights can range from 12 to 18 celsius. They have been out several times the past little while in the evening, extended by one hour each night. I even set my alarm to wake up in the middle of the night to bring them back in.
Anyway, they ended up being fine, nice and perky. They also spent the night on my covered patio as I get nervous about the first time. I'll do that a few more days and then start keeping them more "out"
Anyway, they ended up being fine, nice and perky. They also spent the night on my covered patio as I get nervous about the first time. I'll do that a few more days and then start keeping them more "out"