1st yr gardener questions

[Shanna]

I have planted a few tomatoes from plants at the nursery, but I don't like them. I come from CA so I am used to more variety then they give in the East Coast nurseries.

I have ordered different seeds that are ok for my zone. My last frost date is 4/23 so I want to plant outside on May1.

When do I have to plant my seeds inside if I want them to be able to go outside May 1.

Do I have to aclimate my plants slowly for longer periods outside each day before planting, or can they go straight from my kitchen to my garden outside?

Thank you in advance!

[Contrary Housewife]

I have ordered different seeds that are ok for my zone. My last frost date is 4/23 so I want to plant outside on May1.

When do I have to plant my seeds inside if I want them to be able to go outside May 1.

That may be ambitious, remember that is the *average* last frost date, which is when you have a 50/50 chance of frost, not when there is NO chance of frost. You may have to wait a week or so for warmer weather.

Tomatoes get to a good size for transplanting in 6-8 weeks. Depends on how they do in your seed starting setup.

Do I have to aclimate my plants slowly for longer periods outside each day before planting, or can they go straight from my kitchen to my garden outside?

Thank you in advance!

You will want to "harden" them.

Here is a good tutorial: http://faq.gardenweb.com/faq/lists/t...135020413.html

[Shanna]

Thank you so much for the tutorial. I bought my CA house with a garden already established. Last summer I found out it a lot harder to grow things I am used to here on the East Coast.

[frugalfranny]

Thanks CH - for posting that. I am sure other people will want to read it too........me too.

Always good for a refresher.........and I am getting excited about gardening again!! COME ON SUN!!!

[Luckybustert]

Thanks CH - for posting that. I am sure other people will want to read it too........me too.

Always good for a refresher.........and I am getting excited about gardening again!! COME ON SUN!!!

I'm getting excited too....was drooling over the Burpee seed catalog yesterday

[Russ]

You will gain nothing by planting your tomatoes that early because they will basically just sit there with no growth. Wait until mid to late May.