Gardening Articles: Flowers :: Annuals Gardeners: Start Your
Seeds! (page 3 of 3) by Bruce Butterfield 6. Hardening Off
Before making the transition to the real world of the garden,
transplants need to toughen up. One week before you begin
hardening your plants outdoors, cut back the amount of water you
give them, stop their fertilizer habit and keep temperatures
slightly cooler. Harden transplants gradually. Start by putting
them outside on a day when temperatures are above 50°F. Leave
them out for just half a day (or less) in a sheltered spot
protected from strong winds. Be sure to keep the plants watered,
as they dry out more quickly outside. Over the course of a week,
extend the amount of time your transplants spend outside and
increase their exposure to sunlight, wind and a range of
temperatures. At the end of the week, your plants should be
ready to go into the ground. A cloudy, warm, windless day is
best for easing the plants' transition into their new homes.
Photography by National Gardening Associati