In light of the beautiful weather (sunny, 60F/16C day, 30F/-1C night) and
a good soil temp (61F/16C) I figured I would set out some transplants of
the cooler weather veggies this weekend.

I started lettuce and broccoli indoors a few weeks ago and they were doing
great. Last Wednesday they showed their second set of leaves so I gave
them a drink of 20-20-20 fertilizer and started setting them outside for a
few hours every day to harden them off a bit.

They were in 1x2x2 plastic cells. I transplanted them in to the garden on
Saturday morning by digging a nice hole, watering the hole and pushing the
bottom of the cells up and carefully picking up the seedlings and placing
them in to the soil.

By Sunday night all of the seedlings appeared to have died (ie fallen
over, wilted).

I thought I was doing everything "by the book". Is there something in my
method that I'm missing?

Thanks.

--
The Good Friar

On Apr 23, 10:05 am, Friar Donk
wrote:
In light of the beautiful weather (sunny, 60F/16C day, 30F/-1C night) and
a good soil temp (61F/16C) I figured I would set out some transplants of
the cooler weather veggies this weekend.

I started lettuce and broccoli indoors a few weeks ago and they were doing
great. Last Wednesday they showed their second set of leaves so I gave
them a drink of 20-20-20 fertilizer and started setting them outside for a
few hours every day to harden them off a bit.

They were in 1x2x2 plastic cells. I transplanted them in to the garden on
Saturday morning by digging a nice hole, watering the hole and pushing the
bottom of the cells up and carefully picking up the seedlings and placing
them in to the soil.

By Sunday night all of the seedlings appeared to have died (ie fallen
over, wilted).

I thought I was doing everything "by the book". Is there something in my
method that I'm missing?

Thanks.

--
The Good Friar

Before transplant

Did they spend at least a continuous 24 hours outdoors?

Did they spend enough time getting used to full sun?

Was 20 20 20 a really diluted solution?

Was Saturday night very cold?

I prefer to transplant late afternoon so they get a full night in the
ground before the hot sun. Sometimes I shade them for a few days.
They are harden by spending increasing time outdoors and under the
sun.

On Mon, 23 Apr 2007 09:18:48 -0700, James wrote:


Before transplant

Did they spend at least a continuous 24 hours outdoors?

No. Just intervals of 4-8 hours.

Did they spend enough time getting used to full sun?

We got several days of full sun last week, and I set them out for several
hours in that.

Was 20 20 20 a really diluted solution?

Yes. 15ml per 1L of water as per directions (specifically


Was Saturday night very cold?

It got nippy (-2C/28F).


I prefer to transplant late afternoon so they get a full night in the
ground before the hot sun. Sometimes I shade them for a few days.
They are harden by spending increasing time outdoors and under the
sun.

Maybe I didn't harden them off enough. I have some tomato and pepper
plants to harden off and plant at the end of May. I have a double batch
of seedlings on the go in case my method isn't perfected and I need
another set. I'll be sure to set them out longer/more days before hitting
the ground.

Thanks.

--
The Good Friar

On Mon, 23 Apr 2007 19:00:46 GMT, Friar Donk
wrote:

On Mon, 23 Apr 2007 09:18:48 -0700, James wrote:


Before transplant

Did they spend at least a continuous 24 hours outdoors?

No. Just intervals of 4-8 hours.

Did they spend enough time getting used to full sun?

We got several days of full sun last week, and I set them out for several
hours in that.

Was 20 20 20 a really diluted solution?

Yes. 15ml per 1L of water as per directions (specifically


Was Saturday night very cold?

It got nippy (-2C/28F).


I prefer to transplant late afternoon so they get a full night in the
ground before the hot sun. Sometimes I shade them for a few days.
They are harden by spending increasing time outdoors and under the
sun.

Maybe I didn't harden them off enough. I have some tomato and pepper
plants to harden off and plant at the end of May. I have a double batch
of seedlings on the go in case my method isn't perfected and I need
another set. I'll be sure to set them out longer/more days before hitting
the ground.


Peppers seedlings can be set out the average night temperature is 55°F
and the soil temperature has reached 60°F or above; however, the best
soil temperature range is from 70°F to 80°F.

For tomatoes, the best soil temperature for growing is 70°F to 80°F.
Best air temperature for growing -- Day 65 to 85F, night 60 to 70F.
--
Susan N.

"Moral indignation is in most cases two percent moral,
48 percent indignation, and 50 percent envy."
Vittorio De Sica, Italian movie director (1901-1974)