Tomato temperature

bookmonster

What minimum temperature would you suggest for tomatoes to get a bit of outside time? They're stupice if it makes any difference. 

Pete.8

Stupice are a lovely tomato and they will take more cold than most, but none like temperatures below about 12c.
I grew them for the first time last year and was impressed also they don't have as many leaves a most tomato plants. I'm growing them again this year - they're about 2" atm.
So keep them warm for the time being and not outside until it warms up a bit.

Fairygirl

I'd agree with @Pete.8 - they won't be happy if they get cold now. 

There's really no rush. They'll just stall if temps aren't suitable. 
I've just sown my tomatoes. Whether I'll be able to grow them on will depend on getting compost at some point before they go in their final pots too, although I once grew loads of cherry toms very successfully in a conservatory in small pots with a seed tray underneath with compost in it. They can't be grown outside here. 

That might be the way this year's will be done too, with some garden soil in the trays. 

bookmonster

Thanks @Pete.8 and @Fairygirl! I was just looking for a guide as to when I can give them an afternoon on the patio to get a bit more light, they won't be outside til may or June on a permanent basis. They're showing some signs of thrips damage inside, I've just wiped them down with a washing up liquid mixture 

Fairygirl

Try and keep up the ventilation and that will also help.
It's a fine balance between warmth and air flow, so you'll have to play it by ear a bit. You could space them further apart if you can, which will help 

bookmonster

Thanks!

Pete.8

Round this neck of the woods the temp is forecast to be 18-20c mid next week
They can go outside while the outside temp is greater than 12c measured in the shade

bookmonster

Thanks!

Fire

Friends with south facing gardens in London have put out their toms as for the last two or three weeks -  we have had daytime temps 20-24oC and night time over 10oC. I imagine the growth will be slow but 8-10oC night time temps this week shouldn't hurt the plants. No frost is forecast....  Would they need fleecing or will they just toughen up?

bookmonster

Have they been hardened off?