Heat or sunlight ?

[veggiewomble]

I live in the city so space is pretty limited, but I do have the good fortune to have a balcony (east-facing) which gets some sunlight in the mornings. I have some chilli and aubergine seedlings growing. The chillis are out in a cold mini-greenhouse but I noticed one had leaves that were turning white, so I brought that plant indoors. The aubergines are still indoors as I only planted them 2 weeks ago. The windowsill is next to the radiator, very nice and toasty, but the window light is really diffuse, no direct sunlight at all. As a result, the aubergine seedlings are getting a bit leggy, although they are growing fast.

The chillis that I brought in (I left most outside) are growing bigger leaves, but are also getting a bit tall and spindly. Ideally, I'd take the plants outside during the day for sunlight and then take them indoors the rest of the time, but I don't always have the time to do this especially on weekdays.  >:(

Which is more important at this stage in their growth - warmth or sunlight?

Should I take the aubergines outdoors and put them in the mini-greenhouse about now?
Or let them enjoy the heat for a couple more weeks until they have more than 2 leaves?

[veggiewomble]

[quizzical1]

If they are getting tall and spindly/leggy, I would say that they definitely need more light, but they do need protection from the colder overnight temperatures. The best thing to do would be to try to put them out in the sunshine during the day if you can, or find a lighter position for them indoors if at all possible.

[veggiewomble]

That's what I was afraid of!  ;) OK yes, I will probably try my best to move them outdoors during the day and then bring them in again at night.

Thanks.