I'm considering planting my broccoli seedlings in the garden, but I'm a bit worried about the temperatures. Right now, the daytime highs are around 64°F and the nights drop to about 44°F. Will my seedlings be okay under these conditions?
2 Answers
Your seedlings should be fine! If you're really concerned about them, a simple trick is to cover them with a plastic gallon container like a milk jug, just cut the bottom off and leave the top exposed. It’ll provide a bit of protection from the chill.
Where have your seedlings been growing? If they’ve been inside, it’s a good idea to harden them off a bit first. Try leaving them outside in the cooler temps for a couple of hours each day, then bring them back in at night. But don't worry too much; broccoli can handle temperatures down to 44°F fairly easily!
They're inside right now, but I've been trying to get them used to the outdoors. I left them outside for a short time even in chilly weather and briefly in the sun! I just put them in a raised bed with a small plastic greenhouse over them.