Although most of my vegetable garden plants are grown from seed, there are times when I plant seedlings instead. For example when growing indigo rose tomatoes and growing eggplant, seedlings are recommended over seeds. If you are going to be using seedlings, it would be wise for you to understand how to harden off your seedlings. Otherwise you are going to lose a lot of them.

What Happens During Hardening Off?

It is essential to help them adapt to the exterior conditions such as wind, rain, sunlight as well as colder nights. Also when outside the plants will usually be fertilized or watered on a less frequent schedule. Generally the process should take between 7 to 14 days, it all depends on the prevailing weather conditions.

Why It’s Important To Harden Off Your Plants?

When exposed to the colder nights the growth rate may be slowed down or even worse your plants could die. Sunlight on the other hand is harsher than any artificial lights that you may have used indoors. Exposure to direct sunlight can result in your plants being scorched. Light wind breezes can also increase evaporation rates or breakage of any seedlings with weaker stems.

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Hardening Off: Step By Step Process

Step 1. Harden Off In Sheltered Location

When you are ready to transplant start bringing your seedlings outside for a few hours daily. The area must be protected from both sunlight and strong wind. Watch out for any sudden changes in weather or frost. The seedlings must immediately be brought inside, if the weather changes.

Step 2: Increase Daily Outdoor Exposure

At first increase the hours your seedlings spend outside, then gradually move them outside in the morning and take them inside at night. Also expose them to more sunlight and wind during this period. You can let them sit under the sun either in the morning or late afternoon. They may require more water to prevent wilting.

Step 3: Introduce Overnight Outdoor Exposure

During this period, allow more exposure to sunlight and then leave them outside at night. It is not wise to let your plants spend the night outside when the weather is still cold. Below freezing temperatures are dangerous, move your seedlings indoors to protect them.

There are a few things you can do around transplanting time, to improve your success rates. For instance, it is better to transplant on a cloudy day preferably with little to no wind. Best time for transplanting is usually late in the afternoon to early evening. Also water the location well, both before and after transplanting your hardened seedlings.

You can get more information on the Grow A Good Life blog, here…