Ok, I live in Illinois I wanted to grow a few things. Tomatoes, cucumbers, oregano, strawberry, and some long cayenne peppers. I'm just curious when the best time to bring them outside would be? Thanks
2007-04-18 04:48:58 · 4 answers · asked by Will W 4 in Home & Garden ➔ Garden & Landscape
I think at this time, you should start to 'harden-off' your seedlings. On nice days (above 45F and not windy) bring them out for the day, and in at night. Keep them out of harsh/ direct sunlight. Gradually this 'toughens up' your plants.
Once all danger of frosts have past in your area, is the safest time to plant these seedlings in the garden. I too live in USDA hardiness zone 5. The date given by the USDA for our Average last frost is May 15th... that being said, there were plenty of years there was no Frost from the last week of April... likewise, I remember years that there were frosts in May. It's a gamble, if it does frost, you'll need to cover the plants to protect them... if you don't you'll have to start from scratch... again.
Good luck-
I hope that this helps
2007-04-18 05:25:21 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Kevin is spot on in telling you May 15th. is the average last day for frost here in northern Illinois. But Illinois is a long state and central & southern Illinois warm a week or two earlier than northern Ilinois.
If you are in northern Illinois, I'd suggest holding off on the hardening process unitl the begining of May. Also remeber that those new plants are not use to full direct sun, so gradually increase the time outside in the sun before you plant. Also, they do need some of that wind to signal the plant to ticken the stems. Gradually let them encounter the wind in this same period as well. If you do not have any wind outdoors, or its just too windy, put a fan on your seedlings indoors so they can experience some wind. I've done this & it really does help to produce a sturdier plant. Good luck and happy gardening.
2007-04-18 09:23:57 · answer #2 · answered by A Well Lit Garden 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I started tomatoes from 2nd year seed and I have already started to hardend them by taking them outside for a few hours a day, and bringing them in before dark. I intend on planting the weekend of the 28th, after a fishing tourment.
Happy Planting.
Connie zone 5 Central Illinois
~~~~GO ILLINI~~~~~
2007-04-18 04:57:40 · answer #3 · answered by ~~Hillbilly Quilt Lady~~ Connie 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'd start bringing them outside now. I think we finally got through the last of the killer cold spells. I live in Indiana and plan to put as many of mine out this week as I can.
And they are right about hardening your plants. You do want to do that for about a week.
2007-04-18 05:35:56 · answer #4 · answered by devilishblueyes 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋