![]() ![]() It is also not recommended to fertilize the plants before or during the hardening off period. During this period of hardening off, gradually reduce how often you water however, don’t allow the plants to wilt. Once you complete this, your plants are ready for transplanting. After working the plants up to being outside for 10-12 hours a day for a few days, leave the plants outside for 24 hours for a couple days. Start by placing plants outside during the warmer part of the day (typically between 12-5 PM) for about 2-3 hours gradually increasing the amount of time each day. It also stimulates root development, increases the amount of carbohydrates in tissues for food reserves, reduces the amount of freeze prone water in cells, and develops lignin in the cell walls.Ībout 2 weeks prior to transplanting plants outside, it is recommended to start the hardening off process. Hardening off reduces the growth rate and thickens the cuticle and waxy layers. The goal of hardening off is to slowly expose the plants to the elements of the outdoors to strengthen the plants. Plant stems can snap due to strong winds, or leaves can become sunburned from being exposed to direct sunlight. If transferred too quickly, plants can become lodged or drowned. When transferred outdoors, plants experience wind, colder temperatures, more direct sunlight, and fluctuations of precipitation. Transplants require time to adjust to this change, so they aren’t damaged or killed. Growing conditions inside your home or a greenhouse are quite different than that outdoors. Hardening off is the process of slowly introducing plants to outdoor conditions after being started indoors. Much like humans after being cooped up all winter, plants require acclimation to the outdoors prior to being transplanted outside for plants this is termed hardening off. ![]()
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