Hardening Off Seedlings
Hardening off seedlings is a crucial step in the process of preparing young plants for transplanting in an outdoor garden. When seedlings are grown in the controlled environment of a greenhouse or indoors, they become accustomed to stable temperatures, high humidity, and low light levels.
When it’s time to move them outdoors, the harsh conditions can shock the plants, stunting their growth, and sometimes even cause the plant to die. This is where hardening off becomes valuable.
The process of hardening off involves gradually exposing young plants to more demanding outdoor conditions. By doing this, the plants develop stronger stems, better root systems, and thicker leaves. By helping them to adapt to outdoor conditions it’ll reduce the risk of transplant shock.
Overall, hardening off seedlings increases the chances of the plants’ survival and boosts their overall health and resilience in the garden.
If you have plants that you bring outside during the summer, these should also be hardened off as well.
The Easiest Method For Hardening Off Seedlings
The easiest method I’ve found for hardening off seedlings is to use my deck table and umbrella. Most importantly be mindful of the weather conditions, if it gets windy or stormy you will need to close the umbrella and take seedlings inside. Umbrellas will take flight in high winds. Also this method is used for plants that enjoy full sun, not shade lovers. Pictured are garden vegetables.
I start hardening off my seedlings at about 2-3 weeks prior to planting outdoors. Hotter climates may take longer, this is Wisconsin.
First, I start with the umbrella fully open and make sure during the midday sun all plants are covered in shade by the umbrella (minimum of 4 hours). This will give your plants early morning and afternoon sun, which is less harsh. Flip each tray daily end for end to expose to all angles of the sun.
Second after about 3 days, I close the umbrella slightly to give a bit more midday sun. Close it a bit more every 3 days, until the umbrella is completely closed. Always make sure plants are looking healthy.
Third, I make sure they get plenty of water. I carefully watch for any signs of getting too much sun too fast. Signs to watch for will be if the plant starts to look limp, wilted or white areas on the leaves. Back off on the sun exposure immediately.
Fourth, be mindful of evening temperatures. If it’s going to be close to frost, I bring them in. If it’s going to be warm at night with no storm or heavy rain, I leave them out.
Finally when they are in full sun for a few days with no issues, it’s time to plant in the garden.
Happy Growing!
I’ve used this method of hardening off of seedlings for years with great results. Basically remember hardening off your seedlings needs to be done whether you are getting plants from a greenhouse or growing your own. Anything that is seeing full sun that has not been in full sun already will need to be hardened off.
For more gardening tips check out my page Organic Gardening or a section on my Homesteading page Growing Section.
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