I'm trying to transition my seedlings outside now that the weather is warming up a bit, but I'm worried about the cold snaps that can still happen in early March. My partner doesn't share my passion for gardening, so I've taken over half of our kitchen table as a nursery. I need to move my tomatoes, chilies, and cosmos out into our mini greenhouse/cold frame, but I'm unsure about how to do it safely. Do I just put them outside and hope for the best, or is there a specific method for gradually acclimatizing them? I'd love to hear your tips and any experiences you have with hardening off!
6 Answers
It sounds like you're in the same boat as me! I've got seedlings taking over my space too. The key with hardening off is to take them outside for a couple of hours each day and gradually increase that time. I usually bring them back in at night for the first week or so. They definitely need the sunlight and rain more than sitting on the windowsill!
Always check the weather before putting anything out! I’ve made the mistake of assuming it’s safe, but it’s dropping to -2 where I am soon. I'd really recommend monitoring the temps after you set them outside, just in case.
I typically wait until a week before the last frost date to start hardening off, which is usually late May for me. If you have a warm spot like a conservatory, that could be a better option to prevent leggy seedlings. If you're uneasy, consider bringing chilies out earlier, as they can handle a little extra warmth before going out fully!
When I harden off my plants, I cover them with a double layer of fleece at night and take it off during the day to reduce condensation. If it’s really cold, I keep the fleece on, but I crack the door open a bit for airflow. It’s worked wonders for my seedlings in the spring, like dahlias and sunflowers! Just make sure to monitor your local temps.
You can start hardening off by putting half of your seedlings out to see how they do. It's a safer way to take the plunge!
Using a mini greenhouse is a great idea! I do the same, propping open the lid during the day and closing it at night. Just remember that even though the sun is shining, it might still be too early to put your plants outside, so feel free to wait a bit if you're unsure.
Thanks for sharing! I’ll definitely add some fleece into my routine if it gets chilly.