Hardening Off
Here’s a tip for when you’re preparing seedlings to brave the great outdoors.
Here's a tip for when you're preparing seedlings to brave the great outdoors.
Seedlings started indoors should be gradually acclimated to the brighter light and cooler, turbulent air of the outdoors. This is usually done by setting them outside each day for longer and longer periods, first in a sheltered spot and then with more exposure to full sun and wind.
Rather than moving your seedlings back indoors at night, cover them with a cardboard box or a heavy sheet, or move them into an unheated space such as a garage, shed or breezeway. This will ensure there's not too much of a temperature flux between night and day.
Read more about moving plants outdoors.
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Read about familiar and less common annuals, plus seed-starting and transplanting techniques, in Horticulture's Annuals CD.
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