I'm wondering how to handle hardening off my seedlings when I'm facing a high wind warning with gusts up to 50 mph for the next couple of days. Is that too windy to keep them outside on the porch? What are some tips for growing outdoors in such windy conditions?
3 Answers
I had some seedlings endure 50 mph winds here in North Texas just fine! Just make sure they're weighed down so they won’t blow away. If you’re growing taller plants like tomatoes, consider staking them. Mine were pretty small, and I used chopsticks to stabilize them. It worked well!
I'd definitely bring your seedlings inside during those high winds. They need to get accustomed to the wind, but 50 mph is pretty intense. It's best to err on the side of caution for their safety!
For hardening off seedlings, that wind speed is definitely pushing it. Bring them inside! Once they’re in the ground, you can use tomato clips or zip ties to gently secure them, allowing some movement without risking breakage. Oh, and if you can, build a windbreak to help shield them from the gusts. I’ve had established plants weather some serious storms though, so with the right support, they can handle a lot!
Good tip on not trimming anything that might bush out—it really helps with stability!