Protect your seedlings! Learn the step-by-step process to harden off seedlings, ensuring strong, healthy plants ready to conquer your garden.
Physical supplies are not needed for hardening off seedlings. Instead, you’ll need lots of patience and energy so you have the will to bring them inside and out during this specified period of time.Here’s what you need to know!
When temperatures are at least 45-50ᵒ move plants outdoors to a protected, shady location for two to three hours. When they’ve reached their daily limit, move seedlings indoors and place them in a heated garage or basement.
After working them up to two or three days in a somewhat shaded location, locate seedlings to receive morning sun. During the two-week process, gradually increase exposure to direct sunlight.
Note: If placed in direct sunlight too soon, the leaves can scorch. With every day, seedlings will be able to tolerate a little more and a little more of the outside elements. To be successful, gradual exposure to outdoor elements is critical.
By the end of the two-week process, plants should be able to spend 24 hours outside and withstand the elements. But keep an eye out for any frost or freeze warnings.
Don’t bring plants outside on very windy days. Seedlings are not strong enough to handle high winds.
If temperatures are expected to fall below 45ᵒ bring plants indoors or cover them in a cold frame.
Follow along to learn more about hardening off seedlings after starting them indoors.