It's Boot Camp Time For Your Seedlings!

Harden Them Off Before Spring Planting

by Arlene Wheeler

It's time to toughen up those plants that you're purchasing from the greenhouse and get them acclimatized to the harsher conditions outdoors. The term "hardening off" refers to the endurance training process necessary to get them used to the rigors of outdoor living.

It takes about 10 - 14 days for seedlings to harden off, so as a general guidline, start this process about 10 - 14 days before the last frost date. When weather conditions are favourable, put the young plants and seedlings in a shaded, sheltered spot to prevent both windburn and sunburn. Expose them to the conditions for a few hours and then take them back inside. If the seedlings are exposed to the sun and wind too quickly, they will show signs of stress, such as burning leaves (white tipped leaves), damaged flower buds or wilt from the wind.

Gradually extend the time the seedlings and plants spend outdoors and expose them to more sunlight. Within 7 to 10 days, (weather permitting) they will be able to withstand the entire day outdoors. After a few days of full exposure to the sun, they will be ready to be transplanted into the garden setting. This "hardening off" process is greatly facilitated by the use of frost blankets, burlap or clothes. These products allow you to gradually introduce the plants and seedlings to the world outdoors without having to bring them indoors at night when frost threatens.

Keep your young plants and seedlings well watered, but be careful not to overwater. The product Transplanter is also very beneficial when planting as it lessens the shock for the roots of your plants. If you follow this hardening off process, you will have better success in creating a stronger and healthier plant, and, a more beautiful garden!