As you may have guessed, seedling care is a little different than planting a plant you’ve just purchased from your favorite local nursery. Those little seedlings you’ve nurtured indoors actually need a kind of gradual and gentle introduction to your garden. This is a process called hardening off, and it’s an essential step that shouldn’t be skipped.
What is hardening?
Hardening is a process that gradually exposes seedlings to outdoor conditions before transplanting them into the garden permanently. Your baby plants are not accustomed to the harsher conditions of the outdoors yet. Hardening off helps prevent transplant shock and ensures that the seedlings grow vigorously once they are planted in the garden. It’s a vital step in seedling care.
Seedling Hardening Step By Step
- Timing
Start the hardening off process about one to two weeks before the planned transplant date. This timing may vary depending on the specific plants and weather. - Gradual Exposure
Begin by placing the seedlings outdoors in a sheltered location – such as a porch or under a tree – for a few hours each day. Choose a mild weather day to start this process. - Increase Exposure
Gradually increase the amount of time the seedlings spend outdoors over the course of several days. Aim to expose them to outdoor conditions for a few extra hours each day. - Monitor Weather Conditions
Pay attention to weather forecasts during the hardening off period. Avoid exposing the seedlings to extreme weather conditions such as strong winds, heavy rain, or unseasonably cold temperatures. - Protect from Extremes
If temperatures drop significantly at night, consider bringing the seedlings indoors or covering them with a light fabric to protect them from the cold. Similarly, if there is intense sunlight, provide shade for the seedlings to prevent sunburn. - Watering Schedule
Adjust the watering schedule as needed during the hardening off process. Outdoor conditions may cause the soil to dry out more quickly, so monitor the moisture levels and water the seedlings accordingly. - Observe for Stress
Keep an eye on the seedlings for any signs of stress during the hardening off period, such as wilting or yellowing leaves. If you notice any signs of stress, adjust the exposure or provide additional protection as necessary. - Time to Transplant
Once the seedlings have been gradually exposed to outdoor conditions for about a week or two and are showing no signs of stress, they are ready to be transplanted into the garden.
Seedling care is all about a little extra effort and attention! And trust me, the rewards are worth it! Watching your seedlings flourish into mature plants that provide a bounty of vegetables and herbs is an absolute joy! Ready to get started? Check out my monthly garden guides to learn what can be started from seed right now. You can find the latest guide HERE.
Happy planting!
Vickie
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