Select a day where temperatures are at least in the upper 50s or 60s. The same process is applicable to all crops but your timing is going to be dependent on what you are growing. Keep in mind that some cool season crops like chard, lettuce, or onions can be put in the ground a little bit earlier than warm season crops like tomatoes and peppers. Once you have that date, count back 12 days or so. Here in Cleveland, that is around the beginning of May. For most crops this should be around the time of your first frost-free date. How to harden off Seedlings Preparationĭetermine when you would like to transplant into the garden. The good news is that you can avoid disaster by gently introducing them to outdoor conditions. Suddenly taking them from under grow lights to planting in the ground would be a huge shock and result is very sad, potentially dead plants. Until now, your little plants have had a relatively comfortable life with stable temperatures, frequent moisture, and very little wind. Hardening off is the process where you gradually adapt your seedlings to the outside world. Roma Tomato plants enjoying some sun What is hardening off and why should we do it? Read on to learn about hardening off your seedlings. It’s a really exciting time but there is something you need to do before getting them in the ground. Shop for greenhouses and plant protection.If you have been growing your little seedlings indoor you are likely thinking about transplanting them into your outdoor garden. And remember to water the plant thoroughly at planting time and again a few days later, as it finds its feet in its new home. If rough weather or strong winds are expected, pop a Kozy Coat around the new plant or set up other protection. A cloudy day is ideal, but Nature doesn’t always cooperate, and most plants adapt just fine. When it’s time to plant, try to do so either early in the morning or toward evening. Re-water them, not quite so thoroughly (unless they look dry), and then either let them rest for another day and night or plant them. If they seem refreshed and ready to go, you can probably plant them today, although another day of recovery might be advisable. Unless you are expecting harsh weather, leave them in this protected area overnight. Water them thoroughly, so that the water runs out the bottom of the pot. If you are receiving potted plants, place the pots in a shaded, secure location, away from drying winds and curious pets. Let them soak in the water for several hours or even a whole day before removing them and planting them in your garden. If you are receiving bareroots, fill a bucket with water and unwrap the bareroots gently, placing them into the water up to the top of the roots. As you unpack them, carefully remove all packing materials, including any mulch-like matter around the base of potted plants. When your mail-order plants arrive, remove them from the shipping box immediately. Young plants ordered through the mail do not need hardening off in the classic sense, but they definitely appreciate time to rehydrate, rest, and acclimatize to your growing zone before being popped in the ground. When they are tough enough to go through the day without wilting, it’s time to plant them in the garden or container. Move transplants to a half-sun location for 2 more days. (If they wilt anyway, bring them back inside until they perk up again.) Bring back indoors each evening.Īfter two days, leaves and stems should be stronger. Move the trays of transplants outdoors to a sheltered, shady place out of the wind. It is best to let them “harden off” gradually for several days before planting in the garden. Transplants that have been raised indoors are soft, and must get used to sun, wind and rain.
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