Without proper hardening off, seedlings may experience stunted growth and premature bolting from temperature stress.Įven if temperatures don’t dip below freezing, seedlings can still suffer damage from dropping temperatures and the cool, wet conditions typical of spring evenings. Seedlings that don’t go through the process of hardening off won’t be as healthy as those that are. What are the consequences of skipping the hardening-off process? The process of hardening off encourages seedlings to grow cuticles so they will survive their time outside. Indoor-grown plants don’t naturally develop cuticles since they are protected from the get-go. The waterproof cuticle also helps plants maintain their internal moisture levels. Humidity levels also differ drastically between indoor and outdoor spaces.Īccording to the National Center for Biotechnology Information, one essential plant organ is the cuticle, which is a thick, waxy outer layer that protects plants from harmful UV light.
Wind is another natural phenomenon that seedlings need to be introduced to, as well as full-spectrum sunlight. The difference in temperature between indoor and outdoor spaces is the primary, but not the only, reason that hardening off is essential. Although it is most typically discussed in preparing seedlings for transplanting, hardening off is essential for any potted plant transitioning from indoors to outdoors. Hardening off is the process of acclimating indoor-grown plants to outdoor conditions. What is hardening off, and why is it important? Keep reading for an explanation of why hardening off is an essential step and our top tips for transitioning healthy seedlings to happy transplants. Wait too late, and your plants might still suffer from being in pots too long. You don’t want to start the process too early, or you run the risk of cold temperatures damaging your plants. Hardening off is exactly what it sounds like-it’s the process of toughening up your seedlings so that they’ll be properly adjusted to life outdoors.Īlthough not a difficult process, hardening off involves foresight and planning.
In the gardening world, we call it hardening off. You and your seedlings must jump through one more hurdle to make it to their final home in the garden. You’ve done the hard work of starting seeds and have tray after tray of beautiful seedlings waiting to go out to the garden.
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