beginner ' s corner
When to Start Hardening Off
The average last frost date in a gardener ’ s geographical location is a good guideline for indicating when plants can safely be planted without the risk of frost . However , depending on the type of crops being grown and their sensitivity to temperature , there may be some further considerations . It is good to organize the crops into different categories based on when they can be safely hardened off . Hardy plants , such as broccoli , Brussels sprouts , cabbage , onions , leeks , parsley , and kale , should be hardened off when the average minimum temperature is 40 ° F or above . Half-hardy plant varieties , such as celery , Chinese cabbage , and most lettuce varieties , can start the hardening off process when the average temperature is 45 ° F or above . For tender plant varieties , such as squash , pumpkin , sweet corn , cucumber , and muskmelon , an average temperature of 55 ° F or higher should be achieved before attempting the acclimation process . Some tender varieties will even require higher temperatures for an optimal transition . Basil , tomatoes , and most pepper varieties establish best when the average temperature has exceeded 65 ° F .
Timing Irrigation for Final Transplant
One way to help ease the transition from seedling tray to soil is to allow the seedlings to dry up a little right before planting into the soil . Do not allow the seedlings to dry out to the point of wilting or irreversible damage may be done . However , a slightly drier medium can make it not only easier to physically separate the seedlings for transplanting , but can also speed up the overall establishment process . If possible , transplant seedlings into the ground right before a heavy rain . There is no substitute for a good spring rain to help welcome new seedlings into the garden . If rain is not in the forecast , seedlings should be watered with a diluted fertilizer ( preferably one with vitamin B1 ) as soon as they are planted in the ground . A diluted fertilizer with B1 will help decrease the initial shock of being transplanted . After the plants are in the ground , make sure to keep the seedlings moist ( not saturated ) for the first week or so until the seedling ’ s roots have established deeper in the soil .
Every spring , garden hobbyists get the itch to get their hands dirty . Starting seeds indoors and then transitioning them outdoors is the best way to get a head start on establishing a flourishing vegetable garden . Like many other gardeners , I have gotten the gardening itch way too early and have ended up with a jungle of seedlings that were very overgrown by the time they could be properly transitioned to an outdoor environment . As with most things in life , timing is very important when it comes to transitioning seedlings into an outdoor garden . Growers who account for their geographical location ’ s average last frost date and the minimum temperatures suitable for their crops will be able to seamlessly transition indoor plants into an outdoor garden . Proper timing combined with gradual increases in exposure to direct sunlight and wind will ensure not only a smooth transition , but also the best possible beginning to a new gardening season .
“ One way to help ease the transition from seedling tray to soil is to allow the seedlings to dry up a little right before planting into the soil .”
124 grow cycle