The 4-H Name and Emblem have special protections from Congress, protected by code 18 USC 707. Reference to commercial products or trade names does not imply endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not mentioned. This information is for educational purposes only. Quentin Tyler, Director, MSU Extension, East Lansing, MI 48824. Issued in furtherance of MSU Extension work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Michigan State University Extension programs and materials are open to all without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status or veteran status. MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer, committed to achieving excellence through a diverse workforce and inclusive culture that encourages all people to reach their full potential. For direct assistance, upload questions and pictures through our Ask an Expert resource or call the toll-free Lawn and Garden Hotline at 1-88. You can access lawn and garden tip sheets, articles and newsletters from Michigan State University Extension at our website Gardening in Michigan. Your seedlings are now hardened and are ready for planting.After the transplants have spent several full days in the sun, leave them outside for several days and nights.As you increase the time in the sun, monitor the appearance of your plants for signs of stress such as wilting. Gradually increase the light until the plants spend the entire day in the sun bringing them in each night. Each day, increase the amount of light and the total time spent outside by 1-2 hours.Protection from the sun can be the dappled shade of a tree, the awning of a porch, an open garage, or a shade cloth you have suspended over them. Start by placing your transplants outdoors for an hour in this protected spot before returning them indoors. Choose a spot outdoors that is shady and shielded from heavy wind.Keeping plants in a wagon or other wheeled container will make this process simpler. If you miss a day, continue when you can. Keep in mind that this is a general guide to hardening plants. Temperatures below 50 F can stunt some warm season crops such as melons. Warm season vegetable seedlings should not be exposed to freezing or near freezing temperatures and grow best when the nights are at least 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Photo by Gerald Holmes, Strawberry Center, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, .īegin hardening off seven to 10 days before your area’s frost-free date. Sun damage on the leaf tips of recently transplanted pepper plants. The goal of hardening off is to help your plants adapt to their new garden home without stress. Tender seedlings that suddenly transition to colder or hotter temperatures may become stunted, experience leaf discoloration or die. An indoor-grown plant thrust into full sun may wilt or have tissue browning on the leaves. Rapid swings between climate extremes, even if within its ideal range, can lead to damage and stress. Each plant species has an ideal range for light, temperature and moisture level. While vegetable transplants can eventually thrive in a sunny spot in your yard or patio, you will increase your chances of success by gradually easing them into your garden conditions. Indoor plants are not adapted to outdoor climate conditions and rely on their gardener to help them transition to light, heat and wind of the outdoor garden. Vegetable transplants are started indoors before the frost-free date to protect them from climate extremes outdoors. Gardeners using vegetable transplants should plan for the process of hardening off their seedlings to outdoor conditions. As we approach May and June frost-free dates across Michigan, it is time to prepare for transplanting warm season vegetable plants such tomatoes, peppers and squash that do not tolerate frost.
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