Hi, Lisa -
Here's the scoop - it is easy since I use one month milestones.
roughly speaking -
Plant seeds Feb 15
Transplant to 4 inch pots March 15
Plants ready to sell Aprl 15
Some substeps - Feb 15 plantings will need to go under lights by Feb 25.
I tend to harden my seedlings when still closely packed in their cells - just ease them into full sun, slowly at first.
Once I start potting up, I have to watch the weather. I leave newly potted transplants in my garage for 2-3 days to acclimate, then out they go. Seedlings can take it down to 34 degrees with no problems. Some years they have been blasted with cold rain and wind, they look terrible - but recover nicely once the sun comes back out and it warms up. They end up being very tough plants! If it gets closer to frost potential, they either go into my garage, or I cover them with frost cloth (Reemay).
Hope that helps! Been doing it this way for 9 years now, and it has worked like a charm!
__________________
Craig
|