mwaller
Well-Known Member
How do you decide when to plant your seedlings in the garden? Is there a minimum "low" temperature you want? If so, what is it? We're still in the mid 40's at night here in the Seattle area.
How do you decide when to plant your seedlings in the garden? Is there a minimum "low" temperature you want? If so, what is it? We're still in the mid 40's at night here in the Seattle area.
If you'll enter your general location into your profile, it will appear beside each of your posts, and questions about growing will be easier to answer.
SHORT ANSWER: avoid a freeze after setting out transplants.
TOOLS FOR DECIDING:
Bob
- NOAA monthly temp/precip forecast (live updated), for general expectation: http://fairtradetobacco.com/threads/2225-NOAA-Temp-amp-Precip-Forecasts-Updated-Monthly
- Predicted last frost date, by Zipcode: http://fairtradetobacco.com/threads/781-Last-and-First-Frost-Date-When-Is-It-Really
- As my "last frost" date approaches, I go to the weather underground site and run a temp prediction model for the next 2 weeks: https://www.wunderground.com/
First, enter your Zipcode. The graph gives you ~10 days of info for your specific location. Just above the little radar map, click Wundermap. On the right is a menu of functions. (Dismiss the ad that blocks part of the menu.)
Clear everything, then select Model Data. For the model data, select GFS, then in the dropdown, select 2mAG (which will show temp 2 meters above ground).
Beneath the map, click the video run button. The model will advance step by step, and you can pause it to view a specific map better. The date and time are shown just above the video controls. The double arrows allow advance or reverse by a single frame. This gives you a forecast for 14 days.
How do you decide when to plant your seedlings in the garden? Is there a minimum "low" temperature you want? If so, what is it? We're still in the mid 40's at night here in the Seattle area.
Thanks, Bob. It's been rainy and cool around these parts for quite a while, though today is an exception. It looks like things start to clear up a bit after the first week in May. Perhaps that would a good time...
We are almost certainly in a frost-free time period, but I'm guessing the plants will do better for another week or two indoors with artificial light.
This entire topic is pointless for most of the growers in this forum because you can guarantee if you live in a tobacco growing region that your soil will be warm enough.
Soil temperature like water temperature is not taken on the surface. Don't hold me to it, but I believe soil temperature is taken 6" below the surface. Up here in Ohio, there can be a 50F surface temperature with frost 24" deep.
Two varieties of tobacco, Hicks, a flue-cured variety, and Resistant Havana 211, a cigar variety, were grown at soil temperatures of 46°, 59, 72° and 85°F. in a greenhouse. Three rates of each: N, P[SUB]2[/SUB]O[SUB]5[/SUB], and K2O were applied in a factorial combination. The best soil temperature for growth was around 72°F. as indicated by measurements of leaf weight, leaf area, number of leaves, stalk weight, and stalk length. The 46°F. soil temperature was too low for good growth. Resistant Havana 211 grew better generally at the low and high soil temperatures. Phosphorus appeared to be the most important and beneficial nutrient element for growth at the lower soil temperatures.
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gardenersnet said:Most seeds require warm soil temperatures down to 3 inches deep, to encourage germination.
Use a garden soil thermometer, to check the soil temperature. Simply insert the thermometer to a depth of 2-3 inches. Wait three minutes, then take the reading.
Soil Temperatures for Seed Germination and Transplanting Vegetables: http://www.gardenersnet.com/gardening/seed-germination-soil-temperatures.htm
extension.org said:Tomato plants can be transplanted at 55 degrees F, but growth will be slow. Use a rule of thumb of a night air temperature minimum of 55 degrees F. By then, the days are a lot warmer and the soil is warmer than the coolest night air.
http://articles.extension.org/pages...est-for-planting-tomatoes-beans-and-marigolds