Allotments 4 All

When is it safe to put the seedlings i have grown outside in my 4 shelf plastic "greenhouse"? I have got tomatos and brussel sprouts that all have 4 leaves and are about 2" tall and my conservatory is getting a bit full, will they survive outside?

Many Thanks

Hi, before planting outside you need to harden them of eg put ouside during day &take in at night,then leave outside completely for a while,bring in frost.I wouldnt plant out for a while.

Not sure about the sprouts but I would keep the tomato plants inside for a bit more (depending where you are in the country).

Any sharp drop in temperature will do them no good at all but they can be popped out on the warmer days to gradually accustom them to life outside. The greenhouse does offer protection from frost but still get variation in temperatures.

Then, once all risk of frosts have gone, they can stay out there until planted in ground/grow bags/buckets.

The sprouts can go out once you have hardened them off, the tomatoes not till June.

I was just wondering the same thing about 2 trays of marigolds I have in the conservatory taking up windowsill space.  They have two pairs of true leaves and also have what looks like a teeny tiny flower but just coming.  They were sown on 4 Feb and have been in the conservatory since.  Can I shove them outside during the day at the moment do you think - it is fairly mild here at the moment. 
How long should they take to harden off before I can put them in the ground?

I think they're too little and tender to survive outside yet - if the weather doesn't get them, the slugs might! They just love them when they're little. You could grow them on in their trays for another 2-3 weeks, if you can wait that long? - putting them out during the day & bringing them in at night.I grow loads (150+ each year) & pot them on ::) to grow to a really decent size - plan to put them in position when I plant out my tomatoes May/June.

And you've reminded me that I've got to sow them this weekend!

Like you I have trays of marigolds, these are classed as half hardy annuals, which means they can't be planted out until all danger of frost has passed. This probably means mid may depending on what part of the country you are in.

Calendula seeds to sow here too, surprising how the flowers get missed !  :D

Keep an eye on the weather. South West & East are due to have -2C & -1C respectively on Monday. Not good.

Quote from: buddy12 on March 30, 2006, 20:08:44
I have got tomatos and brussel sprouts that all have 4 leaves and are about 2" tall and my conservatory is getting a bit full, will they survive outside?

Type your postcode into this site and it gives you guides for sowing and planting based on last frosts in your part of the world: http://www.gardenaction.co.uk/fruit_veg_diary/veg_planner.asp

Brassicas will do fine in all weathers, but a snuggle of fleece might not hurt if we're in for a cold spell :-*

What a great site, Sprout - added it to my faves.......however did I manage before without it ??? ::) ;D

I too have added it to my faves- very good indeed!  ;D

Hardening off is for wimps

http://www.gardenaction.co.uk/fruit_veg_diary/veg_planner.asp


Brilliant site - just what i need - thanks SUPER ;D