I'm trying to figure out how to properly harden off my vegetable seedlings before planting them outside. Last year, I placed my seedling trays on my hot tub cover in the sun, but I don't know if that was the right approach. What steps should I take to gradually acclimate my seedlings to the outdoor conditions? Is there a specific process I should follow?
1 Answer
Hardening off your seedlings is typically a two-week process. Start by placing them outside for about an hour on the first day. Gradually increase their time outside over the next few days. After the first week, you can try leaving them out in the morning and bringing them inside in the afternoon. It’s important to consider not just the sun but also the wind—if it's really windy or too sunny, it might be wise to bring them in sooner. Cloudy days are great for keeping them out longer!
Thanks for the tips! I think I kept mine out too long last year in the sun. I’ll definitely be more careful this time.