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Greenhouses & Garden Structures

Hmmm, just realized I'm clueless - please help

tastefullyjulie

18 years ago

Hi,

For the past few years I have been starting seeds under lights in my basement. Early April I would start transplanting the larger ones and moving them to my unheated sunroom to make room to start more. This year I purchased "the Germinator" greenhouse which should be here any day now.

I already have about 100 cells started in the basement. It is 70 degrees down there. When and how can I move them to the greenhouse. The daytime temps here are low 40's and night is 20's. I did get a heater to put in there and was planning on keeping the temp around 50 if I can. Do I have to sort of harden them off to get them used to their new home in the greenhouse?

Also, can I start more seeds out there or will it be too cold to germinate? Would it be better to continue the germinating in the basement, let them get true leaves and then move to GH?

Sorry for so many questions, I've worked very hard and I couldn't forgive myself if I kill my babies by putting them out there.

Thanks!

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Comments (3)

roxy77
18 years ago
I'm no expert when it comes to GH's in cold climates but I think you could start seeds out there, especially if you have a heater. I think they would germinate just fine.

As to hardening them before you move them to the GH, I am not really sure. That's a good question. It can't hurt to go ahead and harden them before you put them out there but I am not sure it's necessary. My saying is, when in doubt try it with one plant and see what happens.

Good luck and congrats on your new GH.
barrie2m_(6a, central PA)
18 years ago
Tastefully, Let me tell you my plans in a similar situation & same zone. I currently have plants throughout my house under 27 shoplights. By this weekend with moderating temps I'll need to make room for the next generation of seedlings by moving many plants to greenhouses. I will heat the greenhouses at night to keep plant from freezing. but the daytime events are as critical.

When first moving plants from artificial light to direct sunlight they need a period of modified light adjustment...much like us going onto the beach in Florida after residing in cloudy north all winter. I place them under benches or keep moving them out of direct sunlight and mist them often if leaves start to wilt. They almost always will recover as the sun sets. The hardening process will usually only take a few days to a week.

Often plants may be injured by transporting greater distances outside when temperatures are below freezing or in windy weather so minimize exposure by waiting for the right time to move plants. Try to have your heating and ventilation system in operation a day or more before moving plants into the greenhouse so you can trust it to perform. Monitor the temperatures and condition of your plants frequently during their first few days(and nights) in the greenhouse. Listen to weather forecasts and make a disaster plan that may be a simple as moving everything back to your basement/livinroom/bedroom for a few nights.
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tastefullyjulie
Original Author
18 years ago
Thanks so much.

A couple more questions. The greenhouse says it only allows 75% of the natural light through. Does this help any in the protection from the sun the first few days or should I still try to shade them? Also, you said you are making room to start more seedlings in the house (wow, 27 shoplights - that's a lot!) Anyway, is there a reason why you prefer to start more seeds in the house and then have to carefully move them outside rather than just starting them in the GH?

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