skip to main content

Square Foot Gardening

Which is better for the plants?

16 years ago

I have a system with shoplights in the basement for starting and keeping my seedlings growing. The basement is cool and I used a heat mat to get the seeds started. However, we've had some really hot days with sun and some with cloud cover. Since my toms had just sprouted, I put them in the screen porch for a couple days and then out into the sun. They did fine. Of course now it is cloudy, but still near 70, so I am wondering if they would do better if left under the lights or if I keep putting them out during the day when it is warm. They go back under the lights for several hours in the evenings.

Keski

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (3)

Dan _Staley (5b Sunset 2B AHS 7)
16 years ago
Depends upon what is 'cloudy', as UV still gets through & high clouds are different than low clouds, than 3 layers of cloud. And the benefit of outside is the breeze strengthening stems. Nonetheless, I leave mine under lights for 2-3 weeks after sprouting before they get moved, which is today-tomorrow.

Dan
engineeredgarden
16 years ago
For stockier plants, you'll want to do the basement thing. Seedlings should be kept somewhere between 55 and 65 degrees until it's time to harden them off.

EG
Related Professionals
Savannah Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Cherry Hill Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Scranton Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Brunswick Landscape Contractors · Fergus Falls Landscape Contractors · Harrisburg Landscape Contractors · San Luis Obispo Landscape Contractors · Sterling Landscape Contractors · Medford Landscape Contractors · Fayetteville Architects & Building Designers · Daytona Beach Architects & Building Designers · McComb Architects & Building Designers · Alexandria Architects & Building Designers · Sioux Falls Architects & Building Designers · Lagrange Architects & Building Designers
keski
Original Author
16 years ago
Dan and EG,
Thanks for the info. It will save me from having to come home from work during my break to put the seedlings outside. I won't be able to plant them outside until May 15 at the soonest - unless we continue to get extra warm weather.
Keski

Related Stories

LANDSCAPE DESIGN Garden Overhaul: Which Plants Should Stay, Which Should Go?

By Falon Mihalic

Learning how to inventory your plants is the first step in dealing with an overgrown landscape

GARDENING FOR BUTTERFLIES 3 Ways Native Plants Make Gardening So Much Better

By Benjamin Vogt / Monarch Gardens

You probably know about the lower maintenance. But native plants' other benefits go far beyond a little less watering and weeding

REMODELING GUIDES Which Window for Your World?

By Bud Dietrich, AIA

The view and fresh air from your windows make a huge impact on the experience of being in your house

KITCHEN DESIGN 12 Great Kitchen Styles — Which One’s for You?

By Sheila Schmitz

Sometimes you can be surprised by the kitchen style that really calls to you. The proof is in the pictures

FURNITURE Which Dining Table Shape Should You Choose?

By Joanna Tovia

Rectangular, oval, round or square: Here are ways to choose your dining table shape (or make the most of the one you already have)

You Said It: ‘Which Color Truly Reflects You?’ and Other Quotables

By Becky Harris

Design advice, inspiration and observations that struck a chord this week

KITCHEN CABINETS Hold Everything — Your White Kitchen Cabinets Just Got Better

By Kelly Porter

These design moves will add even more to white kitchen cabinets’ appeal

GARDENING AND LANDSCAPING 11 Ways to Make Your Sleeping Porch Even Better

By Becky Harris

Turn off that air conditioner and tune in to the delights of slumbering in the nighttime breeze

COMMUNITY 15 Ways to Make Your Neighborhood Better

By Mitchell Parker

Does your community lack ... well, a sense of community? Here's how to strengthen that neighborly spirit

HOME OFFICES 7 Ways to Make Your Home Office Work Better for You

By Design With Science

Have more energy, be more productive and feel better while working at home with these ideas based on science

Sponsored

Custom Home Works

10 Reviews

Franklin County's Award-Winning Design, Build and Remodeling Expert