I'm a bit behind with hardening off my plants this season. Today is cloudy, and I'm putting them outside for the first time. However, tomorrow's forecast shows full sun. Should I bring them inside today and tomorrow when the sun might be too intense, or can they stay out since it's overcast right now?
3 Answers
You can definitely leave your plants outside today while it's cloudy. Just make sure to bring them in tonight or in the morning if the nighttime temperatures aren't great. Keep an eye on them this evening to see if they seem wilted or scalded, but they should do just fine under overcast skies.
Remember that hardening off isn't just about sun exposure; you also need to help your plants adapt to wind. Strong winds can damage their stems or lead to leaf dehydration. So, if it's windy where you are, consider providing some protection from those gusts!
Honestly, I've never done the whole hardening off thing the traditional way. With my 9-5 job, it can be tricky. I usually wait for a few cloudy days and just leave them out, but this year I've been behind. I know my yard well, so I try to find shady spots to help ease them in. I’ve had some minor sun scald, but nothing major. I keep a fan on them for wind adaptation, which helps too.
I appreciate the tips! I don't have much shade on my property, but I feel better knowing that seasoned gardeners are just now starting to get theirs in the ground.
Thanks for the reminder! I've been focused on the sunlight but didn't think about the wind. They had a fan, but I realized I should have gradually increased the speed.