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Ontario

I have heat cables in, and very quickly the soil is up to a comfortable temp (haven't measured, but warm to the touch so probably 65-85°F).
This morning I went out and looked at the thermometer in the mini greenhouse, and it read about 38°, exterior temp was down near 28°, so heat cables help maintain air temp some. I don't have heaters, and I hope not to buy any.
I put a small second frost protection inside, I'll see tomorrow morning if that gets me to maybe 15° protection. I'm hopeful.
Anyway, 2 week forecast still has lows about 40°. So if I'm looking to get a plant out, it'll be potential 50/55° night temps. Soil will be much warmer, but air will be cool. Is this something that should concern me? What point is it no longer a concern?

4/7/2025 9:37:04 PM

Ontario

I see a bit of information on here, but nothing saying "here's the concerning point" just "here's the optimal that we strive for"

4/7/2025 9:44:53 PM

Lloydminster/AB

We call 50-55 good overnights in July where I live lol. On new transplants I like 60 at least. My heaters are doing about 15°C right now. Getting ready to put plants out and we still have a foot of snow.
Below 50F would concern me.

4/7/2025 10:46:00 PM

Little-TON - Colorado

You can try candles, they work, been there done that. A 100 watt flood light does wonders, you got electricity there already... give it a shot, use a metal heat deflector on the flood. Good luck

4/8/2025 10:12:32 AM

Upa Creek, MO

I 2nd the 100 watt flood light, they really heat up. Throw some blankets or whatever over the cold frame to help insulate. Looks cool at night too!

4/8/2025 10:49:07 AM

Grittyville, WA

I dont think cold will permanently damage the plants but they can begin to look ill. A fan blowing warm air, set on low, has worked great for me in the past. Or they can just tough it out & they'll spring to life eventually.

4/8/2025 11:11:29 AM

Ontario

Yeah, I can run a heater, or a heat lamp, but that's more money to get them, and I'd rather not if the 55°ish will be enough. I'll see as I get closer, if I'm still below 50 or 55 I'll look at a little space heater or heat lamp for it

4/8/2025 12:31:56 PM

Kutztown, PA

I use 100 watt cermic bulbs in metal deflectors. Mine are usually under a 6 x 8 cloche. Its all relative to what temp it is outside. Anything less than 50 degrees is riding the lighting, I think. This year I'm starting a little late so I may go commando on the cloche and just lay the lights closer to the plant. I just put seeds in the pots a couple of days ago and it's getting pretty warm in PA.

4/25/2025 1:47:32 PM