I replaced all but one tomato seedling today with backup seedlings that I had kept growing indoors. I now realize I put the tomatoes out too early. Night temps were still dipping into the 40s most nights, and even into the 30s a few nights. I had always thought that “after the last freeze date” was the right time to plant tomatoes, but not so. I think they like lows in the 50s at the coldest, otherwise they don’t do much. Mine looked pitiful–smaller than when I put them out due to loss of some leaves. Leaves had turned purple for the most part.
I left one Black Cherry because I did not have enough backup seedlings. May go buy one more healthy seedling to replace that one if it doesn’t perk up.
I have had very good luck with Russian tomatoes in this regard. Last season, I left a few out in sub-freezing temperatures for a couple of days and they survived and lived to fruit. Right now I have a Nepal tomato protected by a Wall 0f Water.
“Last frost” is such bogus guidance…I don’t like that it’s used so widely.
Warmer crops (most nightshades and cucurbits) need for the temps to not-dip below 50 to stay in the safe zone. If they have to stay out, it’s best to shelter them- esp with the wind that can drop the air temp more than 10 degrees. It can be simple. Plastic milk gallons w/the bottoms cut off work great.
I also like to mist sprouts and seedlings with a seaweed solution (I add chamomile/clove tea to help against drop). I’m not sure it does much to boost cold resilience so early on, but it’s definitely not hurting them.
We sure have had lots of rain in these parts. How do you think it will affect the seedlings? I have always heard that excessive rain is not good for tomatoes or anything else really.