Wouldn't leave them out at night until last of this month

Find your garden zone - NC has 3 different zones 6a, 6b, and 7a - all within the Piedmont triangle and all with different last frost dates that range from Apr.11 to May 20th, Then wait at least 7-10 days after that last frost date to plant them out, Be sure to harden them off first.

See interactive map below.

Dave

Here is a link that might be useful: NC Garden zones

Thank you both for your responses.

Often in Carolinas and Georgia, weather warms up around the LFD pretty quickly. I have planted out tomatoes as early as 10 days before LFD in GA, by watching the extended forecast.

LFD is just a statistical average number, not a mandate.
I would check the 10 days extended forecast. If three is no night lows under about 41F, I would go ahead and plant (provided I have hardened off my seedlings) But even then, you have to be on the look out for the unexpected and be prepared to protect your plants. I am doing that myself right now (in my location), and not just preaching. I have planted about a dozen so far and have had lows dipping to 39F. No problem. The stated lows usually last no more than ONE hour then it starts bouncing up. I personally take calculated risk.

seysonn
Thank you.

Planted on the 19th. They look strong. Never grew them before so staking them and watering is all guess. I have two plants in a 24" container.

2 plants in the same container is not usually recommended? Even for containers larger than that 1 plant is the norm. What variety are they? That can make a big difference.

Dave

Good luck, Ron.

As I said in my previous post, in Carolinas, GA, weather warms up much faster than here in PNW. I am in zone almost 8 and our LFD was about April 1st, but temperatures are lingering between 39-43 for lows and 53 to 64 for highs. Eg, tomorrow will be 60(day) to 39(night). By next Monday things should improve. My tomatoes have been either planted or are in temp pots outside with no protection. Surprisingly, they have been growing and some have buds/flowers. Not holding my breath but it shows that they are doing ok.