How much wind can they handle?

snagged · March 2, 2014

I've seen some posts saying wind can have a worse impact on seedlings than cold. I've got seedlings about 2 inches tall now with true leaves (3-4 weeks old). Temps are going to be ok here for the next 24 hours. But, wind is going to get up into the teens in mph.

Should I bring them in or will they be ok with wind of 13-15 mph?

Doug9345 · March 2, 2014

I don't know if the plants will be broken, but I'd bring them in. You stand a good chance of them drying out. Fifteen mph winds also make projectiles out of things like pieces of cardboard that can decapitate a seedling.

kath · March 3, 2014

I'm not sure how many plants you have or if it's feasible in your situation but when I first start hardening off seedlings, I create an area where I can drape shadecloth, lightweight row cover, or whatever they need at the moment over the trays and then weight down the edges with rocks, bricks, etc. to protect from too much sun, wind, nosey animals, insects... That would also make the temps a little warmer inside the protected spot.

kath

b54red · March 3, 2014

Too much wind when the plants are that young can cause them to dry out too much and look almost as if they have sun scald. You could probably leave them out in that much wind for an hour or so but not too long. Keep an eye on them if you do. It is better to gradually get them used to the harsher environment outside if possible.

Bill

Tormato · March 3, 2014

My "guess" is they can handle 13-15 mph.

I put day old seedlings outdoors. Anything 2 1/4" tall breaks 100% of the time in ~15-20 mph wind. Under 2", and near 100% survive. It sounds like you have nice stocky plants.

There's no way you should risk more than you'd like to lose. So, I'd recommend leaving 1 plant out as a test. Also, how do you know wind gusts won't get much higher than 15 mph?

Gary

March 2, 2014	#1
snagged Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: GA(7b) Posts: 10	How much wind can they handle? I've seen some posts saying wind can have a worse impact on seedlings than cold. I've got seedlings about 2 inches tall now with true leaves (3-4 weeks old). Temps are going to be ok here for the next 24 hours. But, wind is going to get up into the teens in mph. Should I bring them in or will they be ok with wind of 13-15 mph?

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March 2, 2014	#2
Doug9345 Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Durhamville,NY Posts: 2,706	I don't know if the plants will be broken, but I'd bring them in. You stand a good chance of them drying out. Fifteen mph winds also make projectiles out of things like pieces of cardboard that can decapitate a seedling.

March 3, 2014	#3
kath Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: zone 6b, PA Posts: 5,664	I'm not sure how many plants you have or if it's feasible in your situation but when I first start hardening off seedlings, I create an area where I can drape shadecloth, lightweight row cover, or whatever they need at the moment over the trays and then weight down the edges with rocks, bricks, etc. to protect from too much sun, wind, nosey animals, insects... That would also make the temps a little warmer inside the protected spot. kath

March 3, 2014	#4
b54red Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Alabama Posts: 7,068	Too much wind when the plants are that young can cause them to dry out too much and look almost as if they have sun scald. You could probably leave them out in that much wind for an hour or so but not too long. Keep an eye on them if you do. It is better to gradually get them used to the harsher environment outside if possible. Bill

March 3, 2014	#5
Tormato Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: MA Posts: 4,959	My "guess" is they can handle 13-15 mph. I put day old seedlings outdoors. Anything 2 1/4" tall breaks 100% of the time in ~15-20 mph wind. Under 2", and near 100% survive. It sounds like you have nice stocky plants. There's no way you should risk more than you'd like to lose. So, I'd recommend leaving 1 plant out as a test. Also, how do you know wind gusts won't get much higher than 15 mph? Gary