One of the most important steps in planting comes before seedlings get near the garden. This is the process of hardening off, or gradually acclimating seedlings to outdoor conditions. These plants have spent their short lives in a warm, sunny, protected place and won't fare well if you don't expose them slowly to the elements.A few days before you're ready to begin hardening plants off, reduce amount of water you give them, and cease fertilizing until they are planted in the garden.
About 10 days before you intend to plant, put your transplants outdoors in an area where they'll be protected from the direct sunlight and wind. Leave them out for a few hours and bring them back inside. Repeat this each day, gradually increasing the amount of time they're outside and the degree of exposure to sun and wind. After a week or so, leave the transplants out overnight. If frost threatens, bring them indoors.
If you harden off your plants properly, they'll be strong and able to withstand full sun, strong breezes, and all the challenges they'll meet in the garden.
Until now, your tomato seedlings have had an easy life. You’ve pampered them with plenty of light, water, food, and warmth.
That’s about to change.
In the outdoor garden, they’ll have to stand on their own roots and deal with sun, wind, and critters.
About 7-10 days before planting them outdoors, help acclimate them to temperatures, sunlight, and wind.
This process is called “hardening off.” Without hardening off, your tomatoes are more susceptible to sunburn, windburn, and breakage.
Gradual exposure helps your plants toughen up and reduces the possibility of injury. With proper hardening off, they’ll have an easier transition to the garden and begin producing fruit sooner.
Take these steps to harden off your tomato plants.
About 10 days before you intend to plant, put your transplants outdoors in an area where they'll be protected from the direct sunlight and wind. Leave them out for a few hours and bring them back inside. Repeat this each day, gradually increasing the amount of time they're outside and the degree of exposure to sun and wind. After a week or so, leave the transplants out overnight. If frost threatens, bring them indoors.
If you harden off your plants properly, they'll be strong and able to withstand full sun, strong breezes, and all the challenges they'll meet in the garden.
Hardening off tomato plants
Harden off your tomato plants before you set them out in the home garden. Outdoors can be a shock for them if they’re not ready. It’s up to you to prepare them for the real world.Until now, your tomato seedlings have had an easy life. You’ve pampered them with plenty of light, water, food, and warmth.
That’s about to change.
In the outdoor garden, they’ll have to stand on their own roots and deal with sun, wind, and critters.
About 7-10 days before planting them outdoors, help acclimate them to temperatures, sunlight, and wind.
This process is called “hardening off.” Without hardening off, your tomatoes are more susceptible to sunburn, windburn, and breakage.
Gradual exposure helps your plants toughen up and reduces the possibility of injury. With proper hardening off, they’ll have an easier transition to the garden and begin producing fruit sooner.
Take these steps to harden off your tomato plants.
- Start slowly. For the first day, set plants outside in the shade, next to the house, or in a protected area for an hour or two. Eastern or northern exposure out of direct sunlight also works. Bring seedlings in at night.
- Raise exposure. Gradually increase the amount of time your plants are outside each day for several days, to include some direct sunlight. Light breezes help strengthen stems as long as movement isn’t too severe.
- Monitor seedlings. Check them regularly for wilting and water appropriately if they droop. Move them to shade or a sheltered location if seedlings they appear stressed.
- Finally, leave tomatoes out overnight. Make sure the forecast is for temperatures to be above 50°F (20'C) during the night time.
Once your seedlings handle their outdoor sleepovers without problem, it’s time to move them into their new home: your garden.
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