Knowledgebase
transplants left out in 50 degrees overnight #867403
Asked May 07, 2024, 11:28 AM EDT
I live in Lutherville. I bought the following transplants and accidentally left them outside this past Friday night all night on my covered patio.
Tomatoes
Bel peppers
Okra
Eggplant
Rosemary
I think the temperature went down to about 50 degrees. I’ve read that this can damage the plants. I’ve spent a lot of time and money preparing my garden bed. I don’t want to ruin my whole growing season by planting transplants that may not perform optimally. To be on the safe side, should I toss them and buy new ones?
Baltimore County Maryland
Expert Response
Hi,
Keep Calm and Plant On! :)
Are they showing signs of damage? Even minor damage is probably fine and they will grow out of it. Just make sure they are watered and fertilized regularly.
If they were up on a covered porch, they are probably not stressed at all. Feel free to send us any photos.
We just had a recent blog post about this as well that you can check out. Breaking the Rules for Hardening Off
You could plant them to insulate the roots in the soil better and just watch the night time temps and if they are going to drop below 50 you can cover the plants with a row cover or an old sheet. If they are small enough you could put an upside down put over them.
Emily
They appear to be in the same healthy condition as when I bought them on Apr 29. See photos.
I've been keeping them outside on the porch during the day (gets a couple hours of afternoon sun) and was gradually getting them some morning sun out in the garden as well.
Other than that Friday night, I've brought them in around 7 pm. If it's ok, I'd rather keep them inside at night rather than risk any more low temperatures.
I have never fertilized my transplants. I only start fertilizing upon planting.
They look great! You should pluck off the early flowers of the tomatoes that have formed. You don't want the plants energy going into flower and fruit production before they are in the ground.
Looking to plant my okra, eggplant and herbs. So tradition has us planting on Mother's Day, which will this Sunday be a high of 62 and low 49. Best to wait until Monday?
If they have been hardened off they should be fine to plant in the ground. If you are concerned you could wait until Monday.