How to Prepare Seedlings for Gardening by Hardening Them Off
You probably start seeds inside or buy seedlings from garden stores that have been raised in greenhouses to plant your garden in the spring. To prevent transplant shock, however, you must learn how to harden off seedlings before putting these fragile young plants outside in the weather. To best prepare seedlings for transplanting outside, you may harden them off by allowing them to gradually adjust to the conditions in your garden. Everything you need to know to properly harden off seedlings is included in this article.
The Reasons Behind Hardening Off Seedlings
Indoor seedlings are grown in a safe space shielded from blustery winds, direct sunshine, and refreshing spring breezes. Consequently, the seeds sprout and develop more quickly than they would in gardens that are outside. On the other hand, if indoor seedlings are brought outside or into direct sunlight too soon, they may suffer from sunburn or transplant shock.
Transplanting delicate seedlings is made simpler and their adjustment to outdoor life is facilitated by hardening off before bringing them outdoors. Seedlings may be made to adapt by gradually exposing them to higher light and wind levels, as well as lower temperatures. This thicker leaf cuticle helps to retain water and keeps the plants from drying out. Hardening off is normally beneficial for seeds planted inside or in warm greenhouses, but it may not be necessary for seedlings started outdoors or in unheated greenhouses.
When to Put Plants in Hardwood
You must know the date of your last spring frost in order to decide when to start hardening off indoor-grown seedlings. Cold-hardy seedlings may be hardened off even earlier, around four weeks before the last spring frost date. Hardening off usually starts two weeks prior to your last frost date. As a general rule, most plants may be hardened off in daylight hours between 45°F and 50°F.
How to Make Plants Harder
Move the seedling pots and trays outside to a shaded area of your yard with dappled light to start the process of hardening off plants. The ideal time to accomplish this is on a warm day with some clouds in the sky. After an hour of resting outside, bring the seedlings back inside to develop under the lights.
The next day, return the seedlings to the outside and let them bask in shaded sunshine for two hours. Continue this procedure for a duration of one to two weeks, progressively extending the duration of the seedlings’ outside exposure and adjusting the amount of light they get.
When the seedlings spend the most of the day outdoors and are exposed to light conditions suitable for their needs—which may range from full sun to shade, depending on the species—the process of hardening off is finished.
As long as nighttime temperatures remain above 50°F (or above 60°F for tomatoes and other nightshades), seedlings should be ready to be transplanted at this stage. Transplanting the seedlings on a cloudy day, taking care with their roots, and giving them plenty of water after planting will provide the greatest outcomes.
How to Prepare Seedlings for Gardening by Hardening Them Off