Does it matter what size my seedlings are when I transplant?
General NY
This is my first time growing my own vegetables and all of the seed packets say to plant in the ground after danger of last frost. Does it matter if my plants are still on the small side when I plant? Can I keep them indoors for a bit longer or is it best to get them in the ground? I have tomatoes, artichoke, peppers, melons, lettuce and several herbs growing and I’m worried that they are still quite small, the tomatoes in particular have only reached about 3 or 4 inches.
Posted
by: Jennifer Casey
(2 points)
Posted: April 28, 2013
Answers
I don't plant anything fruit-bearing until the nights are consistently above 50 degrees (late May in my area). Tomato plants can look like they've come through a cold night with no damage but if they were setting flowers or fruit and were exposed to cold, the first flush of fruit will be deformed. It's called Catfacing and can be minor scarring to completely deformed and unusable.
Once you put them out, they'll shoot up fast so I say don't risk it!
But cool-loving plants can definitely go out earlier. That includes most greens, peas, and the large brassicas (cauliflower, broccoli, etc).
Once you put them out, they'll shoot up fast so I say don't risk it!
But cool-loving plants can definitely go out earlier. That includes most greens, peas, and the large brassicas (cauliflower, broccoli, etc).
Posted
by: Deb
(7 points)
Posted: May 13, 2013
I live in Wisconsin and I don't plant the garden till around may 15th. I let my veggies get at least a good set of leaves on them and they are about 5-6 inches tall. I let my tomato seedlings get leggy as I bury the whole stem except the top 2 leaves in the ground as I have healthier tomato plants. But I don't know what your preference is or what zone you are in. I am in zone 4 here in Wisconsin.
Posted
by: chris hedding
(1 point)
Posted: April 28, 2013
if planting straight in to garden do not plant out till two or thee more leaves grow if you have the space best transplant into small pots to get a head start, this will get you ahead and all the nasty bugs and weather wont bother them so much
Posted
by: cathy barker
(3 points)
Posted: April 28, 2013
it's easier to sow your green leaf veggies directly to the soil as they don't transplant all that well. You should be able to plant these now in most areas. The melons tomatoes and peppers should wait until the soil temp is 60 F before you transplant into the soil, they don't care for cold temps at all. You're probably in a warmer zone than I am but he only way I've seen artichoke grown up here is to grow it inside. this link will give you the basics on transplanting your seedlings. Another great resource is the old farmer's almanac http://www.almanac.com that can tell you what and when to plant in your area.
Posted
by: J.D. Archer
(31 points)
Posted: April 30, 2013
Not an answer as I am not familiar with vegetable gardening that far north. Much depends on the area you live in and the type of plant, etc. etc. Check out this website from Cornell U that has information for veggie gardening in New York http://www.gardening.cornell.edu/vege... , It even gives varieties that work best in your area. almost 11 years ago.