Depends what it is. We grow bitter melons and those just died when it gets in the 40s, but most seedlings don't mind as long as it doesn't freeze. I don't leave my seedlings out in the rain when they're very young, I move them to a sheltered place if it will rain that day in case it rains hard or hails.

Best to give them some protection if they are just germinating now. The rain itself shouldn't do serious damage to seedlings, but in pots you run the risk of waterlogging, washing away the loose fluffy soil, etc. Many seeds will do fine with those temperatures, many will only grow slowly, some will die. I'd be looking to keep them a bit warmer and move them along, especially since it is really time to be planting them out already.

I'm a winter sower. When my containers germinate, naturally I leave them outside. If they get too big, I transplant them into 4" pots. In case of chilly nights and/or alot of rain, I use makeshift greenhouses, out of cardboard boxes and clear plastic dropcloths. I'll keep them in the cardboard boxes, flip the plastic over them, and they're safe...
These boxes are my favorites, that hold reams of paper. I used to be able to get all I ever needed from my last job. That's the only thing I miss about that job! Cut the center of the top out of the lid, staple or tape with the dropcloth, and put on if needed. I would normally put a few small holes or slits in the top, for air...
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Wow do I like those mini greenhouses from the boxes.
I have some seeds that require covering in plastic,like geranium,aster,cornflower and catananche. I have tried unsuccessfully before but your idea is a winner and I'm gonna try it. I also have things that I'm afraid to put out yet. Just when I think it's time- whew! there comes that cold weather again.

Hi Julia....Sounds like we're neighbors. lol What part of Indiana are you in? I'm in Goshen. I have a bunch of seedlings and seeds in the ground already, several seedlings still on the deck in containers and trays. Most seemed to be doing ok, but there were some today, that the drainage just wasn't enough so I brought them in the house. As far as the tempurature; Most seedlings will be ok (as someone else said) as long as it doesn't freeze. I had some out the last time it got below 40 and they are still ok. Funny thing is, I lost an entire tray of tomatoes that had been winter sown and looked very very healthy to that night....odd. Anyway, I guess all we can do is try to make sure they have drainage and if you get too concerned, bring them in. Good luck!

Thanks so much for the feedback!

What I did was bring all seeds into my house. I do think they need a "warmer atmosphere" than just sitting in my "sun room," especially since it's supposed to be cold and rainy for the next week. What I'll do is try tracynj's copier paper box idea tonight. What a great idea!!! :) I was going to winter sow this year but our weather was so unpredictable, it was cold/warm/cold and we never has a "solid" freeze stretch.

tcmers - I'm in Indianapolis. :) Most of my seedlings aren't up yet...just planted on Saturday...so I mostly have cups of dirt. :) So I've brought them in and will create the "greenhouse" tonight!

Thanks again!!

Hi Julia,

I live just north of Indy in Carmel. I was thinking the same thing as you. Our weather has been horrible and doesn't look like it is going to get better. This is my first year growing from seed. I live in a townhome so i don't have a yard. I have many pots and decided to bring them inside and set them by my south facing window. I also have left a pot of newly planted seeds outside because they have not sprouted yet so I think they will be ok. My tomato plants still look pretty good, but I know they need better light. Hopefully the weather improves. I would have done the say as you and bring them inside for now. It can't rain all the time I guess. Good luck!!

bartles30 - isn't this weather crazy?!? And expected to be chilly and rainy for at least the next 5 or 6 days! I'm trying to baby my seeds indoors in hopes that they will remain viable for when the sun finally comes out. :)

Hey Everyone...I just walked outside during the "rain break" and was happy to find that my garden is doing well. Most of the seeds that hadn't germinated are sprouting tiny leaves and the ones that had, have grown considerably....Some up to a half an inch. I guess they like this weather, or at least they certainly don't mind it! I feel better now! Although......I think I'm going to have to thin some of the seedlings out and I don't know what to do with them. hmmmmm....Another garden? LOL!