So I read that you should put them outside during the day for like a week so they will "harden off," but if the outside temp is the same as it is inside, what's the point of that? Can I skip that part?
Next, what about the rain? Last night a storm came through that just dumped rain like a giant bucket was overturned on the house. I imagined that if I had put my little seedlings outside, they would have been flattened. Am I worried about nothing? or should I wait until we have at least a week with no rain in the forecast?
Shoot, I had a third question and now I can't remember what it was. Maybe it was about my little basil seedlings. They've been up for weeks now and still only have their baby leaves. Should I go ahead and put them outside, or am I just being impatient?
When to plant seedlings outdoors
Elphaba ~ sorry no one has come along with answers. I am not much help but think the only time you would need to offer protection for them would be when and if the temps dip. Perhaps shelter from the pounding rains also. I guess your questions are hard to answer as we are all in such different zones. Please tell me what you have done, moved them out and left them or not?
Basil is tough, an easy starter and a quick grower. What type are you growing this year?
I decided to wait a bit longer b/c I was told that basil will crumple if it gets below 40 and temps are supposed to dip into the 30s in a few days. It's Red Rubin basil. Even the baby leaves are a beautiful maroon color. I am putting it outside during the day so it will get more sunlight. It's amazing how they all lean toward the window, but as soon as you put them outside even though they are in shade, they straighten right up.
BTW, don't worry if no one answers me. Like you said, there won't always be someone in my zone who knows or who happens upon the thread.
There is no substitute for bright outdoors light is there. I've not grown Red Rubin ~ sounds pretty but how does it taste?