From: Nyssa@logicalinsight.net   
      
   Carol wrote:   
      
   > Ok, last year got a lot of sprouts then a final cold snap   
   > hit late out of season just as I put them out.   
   >   
   > They also didn't grow much as I had them over planted in   
   > the containers so I've been collecting things about the   
   > house that will do for bigger ones.   
   >   
   > I also picked up a grow light with 2 arms that twist all   
   > about and a 4 pack of heater mats with individual temp   
   > control.   
   >   
   > Anyone know how high seedlings should be, before   
   > transplant?  Bell   
   > Peppers mostly.  I'm in Virginia Beach, Zone 7A I think it   
   > is.   
      
   Hi, Carol~~~~~   
      
   I usually drag my plant lights out at the end of January/   
   beginning of February, but only start the cool weather   
   seeds at that time. Lettuce, onions, etc.   
      
   I wait until around the end of February to start the warm   
   weather crops such as tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, etc.   
   Six to eight weeks before time to transplant them outside.   
      
   Two reasons: 1) limited space even when I use two plant   
   lights and 2) I don't want the plants getting too leggy   
   when using the lights.   
      
   Figure that getting the plants up to ~four inches or   
   so before setting them outside, although towards that   
   time I will set the flat of plants out on the deck for   
   a few hours of real sunshine when weather permits to   
   help them get used to being in the real world. ;)   
      
   As Songbird noted, the temperature must be at least   
   55F consistantly before transplanting the warm weather   
   goodies.   
      
   Another thing to keep in mind, especially down at VB   
   is the wind. Strong winds can wipe out plants just   
   as well as a cold snap. When in doubt, protect the   
   newbies on windy days with some sort of barrier such   
   as a piece of cardboard or other blocker to keep   
   the plants upright and happy.   
      
   More snow coming later today and tomorrow morning. Since   
   we're only 90 miles apart, you'll be getting some of   
   that too, I bet.   
      
   Nyssa, who still has some snow on the ground from last   
   weekend's snow dump   
      
   --- SoupGate-DOS v1.05   
    * Origin: you cannot sedate... all the things you hate (1:229/2)