I've got a bit of a dilemma here. My tomato starts are getting big and I need to decide whether to plant them or wait another week. The forecast has nighttime lows around 41-42°F for this week, but they'll be above 45°F starting next week. Is it best to hold off on planting until the temps are consistently warmer, or should I go for it now?
3 Answers
It really depends on your climate! I'm in Sedona, AZ, and I usually wait until it consistently stays above 50°F at night. This year is strange with temperatures still in the 40s at night, but since my soil warmed up to about 56°F, I planted my tomatoes anyway. I buried them deep to protect them, and they're doing great now! If conditions are similar where you are, it might be worth planting them. Otherwise, waiting could be safer.
I faced this same situation last spring! I actually went ahead and planted some free starts, and on chilly nights, I've been covering them with glass bowls to keep the warmth in. Just be careful not to forget to remove the bowls in the morning! So far, I’ve not had any issues, but it's a bit of a gamble. You’ll have to monitor the weather closely.
If your starts are getting root-bound, just go ahead and plant them, as long as there's no frost risk. They might be stunted either way, but planting them could lead to better growth in the long run. Just make sure to keep an eye on the soil temperature; too cold can be harmful, but moderate temps can help them thrive.