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Planting temperatures for tomatoes- nightime minimum #396067

Asked April 26, 2017, 9:40 AM EDT

I am looking at the weather forecast with the warm temperatures coming up and wondering if I should get my tomato seedlings in early this year. I only see one night coming up below 50 degrees. On Saturday May 6th there is a 47 degree night. What is your opinion on hardening off seedlings now and planting them next week? Or should I wait for 55 degree nights? Thanks, Don

Delaware County Pennsylvania

Expert Response

Soil temperatures are just as important as air temperatures. Tomatoes and peppers like soil to be 70-75 degrees since they are basically tropical plants. You can use an insta-read thermometer to take readings in places you want to plant.
If you do plant, you should buy row cover because we our frost date is May 15th, and we have had frosts as late as May 30th.
My tomatoes are currently outside in 4" pots in a raised bed covered with a low tunnel made from PVC hoops and agrobond row cover that lets in light but keeps the temperature warm enough to prevent tissue damage.
The tomatoes and peppers outgrew my indoor facilities, so I had to put them outside. Since I germinated them in an unheated garage, they were already able to tolerate somewhat lower temperatures, but it would kill them to plant them in the soil because it is still in the 60's in my garden.
Once the tomatoes are planted in the garden, you should be prepared to cover them if there is a cold night in the forecast. Planting them early doesn't mean they will produce early. They will not be stimulated to grow and produce fruit until outdoor conditions trigger that condition in the plant.
An Ask Extension Expert Replied April 26, 2017, 10:15 AM EDT

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