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Minnesota

New at this, first year at growing tomatoes from seed, ok, my seedlings are about 4 inchs tall, under a light, when is a good time to move them from the artificial light and into the sun.

4/11/2012 7:38:31 PM

Allentown, PA

Hi Richard,

My seedlings are approx 4 inches tall at the moment and I started moving them out into a shelving unit greenhouse for a couple of hours while monitoring the temperature inside with a outdoor thermometer placed near the seedlings.
The seedlings seem to respond well to the direct light.
I would place them out tomorrow if the temperature is alright.
Again just be careful not to keep them outside for a long period of time at this point.

4/11/2012 7:57:02 PM

Omaha, Ne.

I got mine outside for days now some are 1 to 2in. just do it little by little

4/11/2012 8:00:55 PM

Menomonie, WI (mail@gr8pumpkin.net)

Never move them on a sunny day...bring them out in the evening and harden them off. Rainy/cloudy days are best. If the trees have leaves put them in the shade

4/11/2012 8:08:43 PM

Muddy Waters

sit them on the north side of your house for the first couple outings in the shade.

4/11/2012 10:04:20 PM

Minnesota

OK, still a little cold in MN lately, 45 degrees right now.

4/11/2012 11:29:07 PM

bliss,n.y.- heart of Wyoming County

Chilly here- snowed yesterday!

4/12/2012 10:49:20 AM

President - GPC

FInd some sun light inside, and give them a lil...they will love it...
Leggyness on tomatoeZ iZ good....they will root the length of the buried stem...

4/12/2012 12:08:24 PM

Hamilton Nj

when there a foot tall and it is warm out ,i got mine a foot tall some 1-1/2 foot tall under 24 /7 shop lite!! my megamarvs are looking good 2 more weeks we gonna plant its killing me!!! lmao pizza 40 tonight and was cold all day but 70-80 forcasted for weekend !!!

4/12/2012 8:26:32 PM

valparaiso, in

Size doesn't really matter to me. When the time is right I just put them in the hoophouse to harden them off for a few days, and then plant them.

4/13/2012 12:52:21 AM

East Carbon, Utah

I put mine outside as soon as I can, but I keep them in the shade or under shade cloth - at least between about 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. - for the first 5 days or so.

I've nearly burned up dozens, or even hundreds of seedlings every year by being too hasty with the hardening off. I think it helps to start the process when the seedlings are quite small, if you can. Mollycoddling too much can backfire - just like with kids.

4/21/2012 4:28:00 AM