Techniques

Hardening Off

The process of gradually acclimating indoor-grown seedlings to outdoor conditions before transplanting them into the garden.

Seedlings grown indoors are pampered and cannot withstand the harsh realities of the outdoors (direct sunlight, wind, and temperature fluctuations) immediately.

Hardening off takes about 7-14 days. It involves placing the seedlings outside in a sheltered, shaded spot for a few hours on the first day, and gradually increasing their exposure to sunlight and wind each subsequent day. Failing to harden off seedlings can result in sunscald, stunted growth, or death.

Put your knowledge to work

Now that you understand Hardening Off, start planning your intelligent garden.

Browse Plant Library