Hardening Off Transplants

We have been growing our seedlings and clones in a greenhouse nursery. These plants are not immediately ready to be planted outdoors. They need a transitional period to acclimate to wind, temperature fluctuations, light intensity, and lower humidity. Acclimating to your outdoor environment is what’s called ‘hardening off’.

For a gentle transition, select an outdoor location with a half-day of direct morning sun and a bit of wind protection (not so much afternoon sun). If you have no natural shade, build a pole structure with 30% shade cloth.   

A week in these transitional conditions will help immensely with plant transition to the field.