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Possibly simple question RE seedlings

dannyjlowedannyjlowe Posts: 16
in Problem solving
Apologies in advance, this could be a stupid question, but something that despite reading numerous articles and advice I can't seem to find an answer to.

When raising plants from seed, if started indoors on a window sill, how soon can I move to a grow house / cold frame? I don't have a greenhouse so start any seedlings indoors on a window sill. I think I have in the past been keeping them indoors too long as they tend to get leggy and invariably lean towards the window (in spite of rotation). Have grown cosmos, busy lizzies, salvia and geraniums.

Once germinated, can they go into the grow house (plastic covered sort) or small cold frame? Providing of course they won't be susceptible to any frost.

Appreciate there's not a hard and fast rule. As an example perhaps, I sowed some marigolds at the weekend on a sunny window sill which have already sprouted up. I'm planning to move them straight into the grow house so they grow acclimatised to the outdoors. Sensible? Or will I kill off the tiny seedlings?

Appreciate any help for a novice gardener out of his depth!

Posts

  • ladyjane23ladyjane23 Posts: 45
    Hope you can help. How long should it take for seeds to germinate in a cold greenhouse. I have a few trays that haven’t shown any sign of life for over two weeks.
    I have used peat free compost but I don’t like it as it dries out almost immediately !
    should I start again !
    thank you
  • LoxleyLoxley Posts: 5,698
    I let them grow on a bit indoors, I've been burned too many times when I move them out as tiny seedlings. Sometimes it works OK but often they seem to get checked by the sudden colder conditions, or even more commonly, are totally razed to the ground by slugs.
    "What is hateful to you, do not do to your neighbour". 
  • Mary370Mary370 Posts: 2,003
    If they are hardy annuals or perennials they should be fine, any half hardy/tender plants no, I'd keep them inside until May.
  • Mary370Mary370 Posts: 2,003
    @ladyjane23 there have been huge differences in day and night time temperatures, I'd leave them alone for another few weeks.
  • ladyjane23ladyjane23 Posts: 45
    Thank you Mary 370...I will be more patient.l
  • Captain_ChaosCaptain_Chaos Posts: 60
    I'm far from an expert, but I've been putting my chilis and sweet peas outside when the sun is shining...purely because the garden is warmer than the window sill.  I bring them in if the sun goes behind clouds or the temp drops.
    Growing old is mandatory but growing up is optional.
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