Are my tomato plants ready to transplant?

**MomToTwoBoys** · 06-01-2009, 09:46 AM

I started watering my tomato seeds about May 10th. It's June 1st and it's been about three weeks since I started them. They're growing to be very healthy!

The paper that was enclosed with the seed packets says that either they can be transplanted when they're 2-3 inches high (or when they sprout a second set of leaves) or in 4-6 weeks. The danger of frost has passed and as such, I'm itchy to get them into the garden outside. I measured each packet pot this morning and they're all between 2-3 inches tall.

Can I safely plant them now and not worry about them dying off?

**frugalfranny** · 06-01-2009, 01:00 PM

You didn't mention where you had been growing them.....garage? in the house? greenhouse?

Your area is probably 'similar' to ours for temps........so the nightime temps. become very important.....and hardening them off properly can make or break your garden.

You need to do something called 'hardening them off"......depending on where they were started.........this means in essence getting them used to the weather OUTSIDE at night-time.....and the heat (natural heat) during the day......depending again, on all the 'starting factors'....where? how warm? etc..........they will lose their humidity that they are used to also when transplanted........another adjustment for the hardening off process..........important step, don't skip it.

I have lost more plants by even trying to 'push' this step.

**MomToTwoBoys** · 06-01-2009, 01:32 PM

Oh, they've been in my windowsill in the kitchen. The window faces to the south, so I get a ton of midday and afternoon sun. I keep the house at a comfortable 68-72 degrees.

**Gardengal18** · 06-02-2009, 01:43 AM

With them being right in the window the glass from the window will make it hotter. Put them outside for a few hours each day to harden off properly and then plant them in the garden in a week or so.