unheated greenhouse question

I've been reading a lot here on starting seeds. This is my second year doing so (tomato's only). I read a lot where seeds are started and then put out in the unheated leanto, GH... So after you start your seeds and they sprout, it is OK to put them out in the GH (that's what I have) and it wont hurt them? I did read that tomato's needed to be grown cool after they germinate to slow them down some. My GH is half unheated with nothing in it (to save money). If I understand what I'm reading correctly, I can start seeds then move them out to the GH (unheated part) and let them grow out there until ready to plant. Is that right? If so, i'm in trouble. I would love to do this. I have 3 shelves with grow lights but I've been putting off doing any seeds right now b/c once they get growing I have no where to put them and I want to start tomato's (they come first).

The heated part of my GH has plants and things in there and not a whole lot of room to put seedlings. I can make room just not a lot. The unheated part would give me so much more room.
Thanks
Dawn

Dawn,

Do you know what temperature the unheated part is at it's coolest?
That will tell you what plants, if any can survive there.

It gets really warm during the day and prolly a few temps above the temps at night. I'm thinking I could put the seedlings in there once the temps stayed above freezing. I had been reading that growing some things cool keeps them from getting too big too fast. That is my goal. I also have some hanging baskets that I wanted to put some seeds in now (or soon) so they would be going good come time to put out for spring. Or at least have the plants ready to put in the baskets.

The lowest "best temp" at night will vary from plant to plant. Some plants just won't grow if the temps are too low. It will be like the plants in your garden. The ones that come up first are the ones that can tolerate cold temps. Others need 65 degrees to do well.
I would think that you wouldn't want it much lower than 55 degrees?
I start stuff under lights in my basement and I wouldn't want it to go lower than 60 if I could help it.
I have a small greenhouse outside, but it is not heated and I use it to give my plants a headstart just before putting them in the garden.
Maybe someone will chime in that lives in your zone and help out.

Once my seeds have germinated I keep my greenhouse at very cool tempuratures. It think it makes sturdier stems and stronger plants. Tomatos definitely do grow slower though. The heat of the sun keeps the temperature quite high during the day so its only the nighttime temps. that are low.

Hi Dawn,
I truly don't know the correct answer to your question of growing them out in an unheated area, but I personally, will try things and find out. If it works, WOO HOO! If not, well then I'll have learned and maybe try something a bit different. But I WILL have fun learning. I can't think of too many better ways to experiment at such a small cost.
Good luck with whatever you try, and please, do share your adventures.
Pam

Yes share please.

Thank you all for your input. My plan is to start some things in my sunroom (heated) once they get going and I need more room, I'm going to put them in the greenhouse if the temps are reasonable. I think timing is the key here. If I time it right, I can put the seedling out in gh when it cool but not quite ready to go in the garden. We will see...
Thanks again!
dawn

Dawn- the unheated things they are talking about can be an unheated gh or a vented milk jug. You just have to remember to water them in an unheated gh.

Tomatoes can be grow when cold if you give them bottom heat. I have read that they prefer the cooler temps and will grow well if they are given bottom heat.

Good luck
Peggy

www.peggysbubblesblooms.com

I have a question? I just noticed the seeds I planted on Monday have germinated. My sun room is heated at night and only gets to about 40° as the low........during the day depending on whether there is sun or not gets to be anywhere from 60 - 80°. Think I could safely put the Inula seedlings out there? They are a perennial and hardy zones 4 to 8. I would think it would be okay but I'd like some other opinions. I've tried doing seeds 4 years in row and this year I don't want them dying on me before I can plant them out.

Thanks Peggy and to everyone. Looking forward to someone answering cece's question.

May I suggest agricultural fabric? I use it in my greenhouses to protect from the frigid temps . I would be lost without it.