Hardening Off — Why it's Important!

From: Gardeners Supply - Friday Mar 05,2021 02:03 pm

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HOW-TO PLANNING TOOLS WHO WE ARE SHOP

Your seedlings have led a good life — warm in your warm house or greenhouse, watered and fertilized regularly, and protected from harsh weather. But now, they need time to acclimate to the great outdoors. Plants can get sunburned and suffer chill damage, so whenever they're moved outdoors they need to be hardened off first — even if they're sun-lovers like basil and tomatoes.

Two images of plants showing signs of sunburn from improper introduction to the outdoors.

Bleached or whitish areas on foliage may indicate sunburn.

Image of basil plant showing chill damage.

Blackened foliage and droopy stems indicates chill damage.

Gradually acclimate indoor plants to outdoor conditions over the course of a week or 10 days. The first few days, place the plants in a sheltered spot out of the wind with light shade. Gradually move them into a place with a bit more exposure — morning sun, shade in the afternoon. Next, give them morning sun and dappled afternoon shade. Leave them out overnight in a sheltered spot such as a porch, if temperatures are in the 50s (or in the 60s for very tender plants like basil and peppers). Work your way up until the plants are out in full sun and overnight.

Learn more about hardening off, how to recover from sunburn and chills, and see our favorite hardening-off hack.

Your Success is our Passion! For how-tos on everything from Asparagus to Zucchini! Our Advice Library

HOW-TO PLANNING TOOLS WHO WE ARE SHOP

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