How to Harden Off Plants

[@joeseatat]

Starting to harden off today and I thought to myself, "Better look up a Gardener Scott for this "

[@j.b.6855]

One tip I will add, most of us have cell phones, most cell phones have a timer with an alarm. Use the timer to make sure you dont forget about your plants that are hardening off.

[@picklerick9191]

I can attest to this...Meant to bring them in at 1 and forgot until 4. They weren't happy.

[@GardenerScott]

Good suggestion. Thanks.

[@racebiketuner]

Didn't see your comment until I posted mine 😉I absolutely need to use the timer on my phone. Something I learned the hard way!

[@elearnej5524]

another good way to harden off i found was as soon has the plant is germinated i will (if weather permits) put them outside for half a day and that way you can transplant sooner and the plant already has its sunscreen !

[@agood1]

i noticed the plants that I put seeds in a pot out in the sun, are actualy thicker than plants I started a couple days sooner than the ones that were indoors in a s facing window

[@caseymyles4048]

pro trick : you can watch series at InstaFlixxer. I've been using them for watching lots of of movies lately.

[@michaelterrence8405]

@Casey Myles yup, been using InstaFlixxer for since november myself :D

[@amandavhb1630]

I had heard the term "hardening off" and didn't quite understand what it was. Thank you for the information!

[@CharliePFoogo]

So many questions answered with this video. Thanks for posting!

[@rieriec.36]

I love your channel..its so informative. And I really love your short. My son is autistic.

[@heidiclark6612]

Thank You for this video Scott. I have not started my own seeds in about thirty years and now that I am retired,I wanted to get into it again.I started all my seeds this year and this will be what I will be doing soon. I appreciate your information since it's been a while.

[@GardenerScott]

Very glad to help, Heidi.

[@OakKnobFarm]

Great tips Scott! I've found a few plants do well with minimal hardening, while others are more sensitive. You can usually tell after the first sunny and breezy afternoon they're exposed to! I was able to plant 75% of my garden this weekend, 1 week early. The forecast was in our favor this year, so I'm being brave :)

[@GardenerScott]

Thanks! Good point. Sturdier plants can definitely harden quicker.

[@michellerose6721]

I burn my basil every year😭

[@elenapender1405]

Basil I don’t think they like a sun to much,they like more shades,I don’t put my basil in the sun at all and they looks beautiful !

[@henrikjarsbo9163]

Always watching your videos with great interest, and by the way... excellent choice of T-shirt.

[@GardenerScott]

Thanks!

[@dannbunting]

Thank you for your helpful videos, I've been watching for a while because I'm starting a garden and mostly growing hot peppers, but also other veggies. Thank you for wearing an Autism Awareness t-shirt 💙

[@badeds100]

I never hardened off any of my plants. I got them from a nursery. I assumed they were already harden off. They did fine! Yes I lucked out!

[@floridasaltlife]

Our temperatures have flipped to summer warm/hot 55n 75 day and a gloomy 5 day outlook. We did not harden but hope this weather pattern will help us. Good amount of rain coming as well. Southern Indiana

[@thomasdesmond2248]

I love the Tshirt Scott. Great video God bless.

[@GardenerScott]

Thanks, Thomas!

[@zstangkrewson]

I never did the hardening thing, at least not or multiple days, but this year, everything went straight from greenhouse to beds... and they are doing good! Like you said, it isnt a science... Thanks for the video!!

[@zstangkrewson]

then again, my greenhouse has clear panels... so hardening might not be needed.

[@GardenerScott]

I would do that when I had a greenhouse too. They already had good sun exposure.

[@jeffd6540]

Hi G.S., Nice video. Good subject. I'm atill running my hardening process, even though I won't be planting until June 1st(ish) here around Boston. I figured I'd get a bit of practice in on it. Most of my stuff is still relatively small, but have had 2nd leaves for about 2 weeks now. Spinach 3", Cucumbers 4", Broccoli 3", Beans are a good 5-8" and peas are at 2+' now and on trellis in pots. I am noticing my Bean seem to be prone to sun scorch more than the others though. So, I'm trying to work with the timing still in 15 min segments in/out.

[@WibblyWobbly]

Also guys, if you have cold nights, say less than 12C, try not to water plants in the evening, it stresses them, roots may rot. So better do it in early morning.

[@colleenc9923]

We have had winds for the past three days as you have probably experienced. How do you harden off in windy conditions? I finally brought them in and put them at the doorwall in the sun for the afternoon. Thanks, Gardener Scott! It's great to have someone local with these challenging conditions.

[@GardenerScott]

I lengthen the process. I didn't even put the plants out yesterday with gusts above 50mph.

[@kamilfrancoolczak]

Wind is another factor as well

[@sclark223]

Just found this. I think this has been my issue for 2 years - I didn't understand hardening off, and overdid the sun exposure. I've lost several seedlings, but now have a better idea what to do. And thank you for the suggestion about using natural shade from an east or west wall! I have an 8 - 5 job, so need to make a plan that works even if I can't come home.

[@geofferyromany4634]

I live in Nevis in the Caribbean and I have planted seedlings about 8 days ago. They are now getting leggy because they need sun. I realize that the hardening off period you describe do not apply to the tropics. I guesstimate that 3 days. starting with 4-6 hours and then by 4th day they should be left outdoors.

[@roccoconte2960]

Another great video Scott, keep up the good work all ways a pleasure to watch.

[@GardenerScott]

Thanks, will do!

[@conniedavidson1807]

It seems like I have done so many of the wrong things for my seedlings. The weather has saved them as we have had many cloudy, rainy days and most of them are healthy, happy plants, instead of sunburned, stunted plants. I think my peppers were put outside two early as they are not growing much at all. The cool night air might have been two cold for them.

[@lizroman12]

Oh gosh, new to gardening. Thanks for all the info. Butternut Squash journey 😊

[@tamararoberts9307]

Great tips! Thank you so much

[@ALPHAJACK78]

Great tips Scott, thank you

[@PopleBackyardFarm]

Good information love your channel.

[@j.r.mccalla8662]

Thanks, Gardner Scott for this helpful video. Cool shirt btw.

[@GardenerScott]

Thanks!

[@nereidapr1]

totally agree. I learned the hard way. I almost killed my sour sop. Now she look so ugly. I put her back and she looks more happy.

[@Elena-iu7hc]

Hi, from Chile. Thanks video

[@GardenerScott]

Thanks, Elena!

[@landomilknhoney]

Another great vid which encourages me to be a good Gardener, Thanks! *Looking for that soil amendment vid.....

[@GardenerScott]

Thanks. Here's one showing my fall amending: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y2OWXmZpjdx2aq8

[@anniegaddis5240]

Great info, thanks, sharing!

[@floridasaltlife]

Is there a way that when I click click on the notification of a newly published video that it comes up and available when I click on your channel. Some content producers do and some don't. I have to click again to find the sequential grouping ?? I only ask because I know you would want the videos to present as cleanly and efficiently as possible w/o having to click around to find the newest. I have made a few videos myself but do not know the answer to why some peoples do and others don't. P.S. You clearly have the best and easiest to watch gardening channel. No hype and and silly bologna and all easy going content. THE BEST !!

[@GardenerScott]

Thanks, Doug. Different channels set it up differently. I have my channel set up to show the most popular videos. After your suggestion I'll check into adding most recent uploads.

[@floridasaltlife]

@@GardenerScott Thanks for replying, I just see it convenient for subscribers but now I realize most popular just might be better for building subs !! ??

[@twotiredblackparents5872]

Great video

[@sunflowergirl7471]

I am starting the process today scared a little bit overcast so that great may leave them for four hours out then tomorrow

[@uksimone1]

Hi Scott! I like the message on your T-shirt!! Thanks for sharing your knowledge. I am already growing few beds, around 22 ?types? of herbs, vegi and fruits and using a lot of your teachings!! Thank you!! Simone

[@GardenerScott]

Thanks, Simone.

[@racebiketuner]

Yup. Great message! Thanks for supporting the neurodiverse community 🙂

[@practicalphilosophy9031]

nice anchor on the shoes LOL

[@serrielu8025]

Use grow lights that provide uva uvb wavelengthS. They’re out there and will drastically shorten hardening off times for sunlight, and is better grow light than a cheap visible light only fluorescent / LED.

[@racebiketuner]

I have a Growealth 1500 with toggle for UV, but it's not nearly enough to circumvent hardening off. Do you have any recommendations for something better? I've been researching this for the past two years. There's not a lot of info in the scientific literature yet. I know single-wavelength lights near 390nm will not do the trick. For this purpose, something designed for reptiles is likely to be the best choice. Have you tried any? If so, what % of the PAR worked best? If I were to add "lizard lights'" I would begin with 5%, start bumping it up until the plants protested, then back it off a bit.

[@thenaturalhuman9568]

I have so many seedlings and plants indoors now lol it’s taken longer than I expected to warm up at night..😫

[@susiejune7851]

Hi Scott, I was watching your hardening off video and noticed the tower planter on your deck. Where did you get this and what are you planting in the pots? Looks like something I would be interested in. Thanks

[@GardenerScott]

Hi, Susie. It's a GreenStalk planter and I have another video that shows how I plant in it. You can see it here: lddy.no/kdvq If you use"GARDENERSCOTT" at checkout you can get a $10 discount.

[@laguy8181]

I have bought some trees and plants online before and some have done really well. A lot of their recommendations are to let them soak for a few hours before planting. Could you make a video in regards to getting plants shipped? What companies do you recommend if you are to have them shipped? I love your videos. You sound like the Mr. Rogers/Bob Ross of gardening. I love it

[@GardenerScott]

Jeremy, I already have a couple videos that discuss that. I order a lot of plants from Fedco, Raintree Nursery, and Stark Bros. Thanks.

[@laguy8181]

Gardener Scott, thank you very much. I will check them out

[@rauljimenez8132]

Seven to ten days or more?.....The Horror.... for a lazy man like me. I think I will go more and more with the milk jug mini greenhouse bit.

[@darcypotterpotter6214]

what would you think of use of uv light indoors to help with this process

[@GardenerScott]

You can use them when you bring the plants indoors at night.

[@AdventureIndiana]

Quick question. If I have a detached garage, no climate control, could I leave plants out there overnight? Might be a way to ease them into the night

[@GardenerScott]

Yes, that can be an option if the temperature stays above freezing in there.

[@garyradford9381]

@ Gardner Scott , Gary back again another question if you buy plants from home depo or Lowe's do you have to Gardner them off. ??? thanks Gary

[@GardenerScott]

It depends on where they are stored. Plants inside the store should be hardened off but the ones out in the garden area don't really need it.

[@kschleich1950]

My new raised bed was filled today with sandy loam soil containing mulch and sand. Im planting tomatoes in 2 weeks. I added some Dr. Earth fertilizer. What else should I do to amend this soil?

[@GardenerScott]

That may be enough. Finished compost may add an extra boost.

[@racebiketuner]

It's a fine point, but you might want to check the PH. In my experience, tomatoes usually do best at 5.9 to 6.0. Hydrion test tape for human saliva/urine is an economical way to check. Using distilled water will improve accuracy. If you need to go down, elemental sulfur is a good choice . Don't try to get the PH perfect on your first attempt. Just nudge it in the right direction. For example, if it measures 6.6 then bring it down to 6.4. Then check/adjust again at the end of the season.

[@rhondavanmeter5015]

Would you harden off bare root plants with no leaves?

[@GardenerScott]

That's usually not necessary because the plants are dormant. If they have started budding some hardening off can help.

[@kschleich1950]

My tomatoes are very close to being hardened off. It’s fairly windy here, not terrible, but is it ok to bring them out of the greenhouse?

[@GardenerScott]

I try to avoid windy conditions early in the hardening off process. After the plants have had a few days to acclimate to the outdoors they can handle a little wind better.

[@DanaN43]

After plants are outside and you bring them in for the rest of the day, do you put them back under your grow lights?

[@GardenerScott]

While I put some under grow lights, most go on my kitchen table and I turn the light on.

[@amylynn826]

Thanks for the info!! When you say to wait til about a week into hardening off to expose to colder temps, do you have a general temp that you are waiting to expose them to? We are having a few days of rainy weather right now and it’s a high of 52 F. Is that too cold for the beginning of the hardening off process?

[@GardenerScott]

I prefer to have the "colder" temperatures above 40F and for warm-season plants like tomatoes and peppers 50F is better. The idea is to gradually expose them to the conditions at transplanting, so if they can handle cooler weather when in the ground then those same temperatures are appropriate during hardening off.

[@miamited69]

Zone 9a. What is the lowest temp I should put them outside? tomatoes, cucks, peppers, onions.

[@GardenerScott]

Onions can handle freezing temps, but the others are best when night temperatures stay above 50F.

[@miamited69]

@@GardenerScott I am sorry, I meant to start hardening them off. hour or two at a time. Used to live in zone 10 so all this is new to me. I have the seedlings in 6 section trays. Ok to leave them in that for now or replant to say a 4 or 6 inch pot.

[@GardenerScott]

I wait until 50 at night to begin hardening off even if they are only staying outside during the day. Depending on how big you want the plants and how soon until transplanting outside, you might want to consider moving to bigger pots.

[@miamited69]

@@GardenerScott thank you for all the help you give all of us.

[@denu22]

I start my plants in my basement, then move them outside into a plastic-covered greenhouse. I control how much direct sun they get for the next few days and keep it warm at night until the weather moderates. They will spend the next month or more in the greenhouse. Should I harden them off prior to planting?

[@GardenerScott]

You are already hardening them off in the greenhouse so they don't require the lengthy in-out process.

[@denu22]

@@GardenerScott Thanks for the quick reply. You do a great job on your site.

[@oysterman2517]

It's like having ants in the pants having all my seedlings and small plants indoors instead of outdoors. Nice tee shirt Scott and navy blue always looks good. Cheers

[@GardenerScott]

Thanks!

[@lesliescully3544]

What about if I put them in the shade?

[@GardenerScott]

They won't get much sun.

[@tranthiduyen615]

Xin chào anh, nhìn thấy anh trồng rau thật tuyệt vời quá

[@breannebowers7031]

Scott, I live in Columbus Ohio and we have had some crazy weather. I kept the seedlings in the greenhouse a little longer due to super late freeze 2nd week of May. Now we have had heavy rain and thunderstorms including tornado warnings since Monday (was dry over the weekend, but had torrential down pour and thunderstorms Thursday and Friday of last week as well. We have flash flooding and lots of basements flooding. My raised bed is wet, but no puddles. The radishes are doing ok, the lettuce seedlings look a little soggy. I’m nervous to plant my other seedlings as I planned this weekend because the forecast looks like rain and thunderstorms Almost daily next week as well. Some of my seedlings are getting pretty big. Should I plant them in the garden Saturday? Repot or leave them alone and try to get them in end if next week or weekend when things dry out a little ?

[@GardenerScott]

It's best to wait until conditions are right in the garden. I've had to repot into bigger pots in the past when weather delayed my planned schedule.

[@brg2743]

One year, we had to plant in early June and it kept raining and raining. Had to replant several times. Starting seedlings at different times indoors helped us. What is hard too is when nighttime temperatures keep dipping down.

[@laurabehenna9602]

Hi Scott, my tomato seedlings are almost finished hardening off, but the weather forecast says it will be at least a couple of weeks before the nights are reliably above 50°. Do you transplant your tomatoes out when nights are a bit cooler than that, or maybe you are planting them out with protection over them?

[@chefgiovanni]

Follow the Farmers Almanac schedule. WeI skip this for my tomatoes every year. They go out in a few days. Watch our Chefs recipes to improve your cooking.

[@GardenerScott]

I will plant them, if they're fully hardened off, with weather protection, usually hoops and plastic.

[@laurabehenna9602]

@@GardenerScott Thank you! My plan is to drape plastic over the plants' tomato cages.

[@johnnyirish456]

What about impatients they are very temp sensitive?

[@GardenerScott]

In a protected location they should do okay.

[@hobbyguy3254]

Great video! I have a question about hardening off collard greens. Our temps were in the 70 and 80s the last few days and I started to harden off my collards. Now that they are down in the 30s can I continue to harden them off for a few hours at a time or should I wait for the temps to go up?

[@GardenerScott]

Keep hardening them off. A few hours at a time is better than stopping completely. When the temps warm again you get back to longer outside time.

[@hobbyguy3254]

Thank You sir@@GardenerScott

[@lakebound1012]

My wife and I love your shirt 🙂

[@GardenerScott]

Thanks!

[@richardw4132]

Will shade hoops help ease a non-harden plants into their new surroundings?

[@GardenerScott]

Definitely. That can make a difference if unable to do a full hardening off.

[@nathaniverson]

Is there a down side to hardening off earlier and longer? The day time temperatures in the Denver area are really nice, but it is still too cold at night for peppers. I have started to put my tomatoes and pepper out in the sun but I'm probably 3-4 weeks from transplanting to their final locations.

[@GardenerScott]

There isn't really a down side, other than the labor of carrying pots in and out if cold threatens.

[@fredbrinker1820]

DOM YOU HAVE/USE A GREENHOUSE OTHER THEN TH HOOPS?

[@GardenerScott]

I don't have a greenhouse yet.

[@fredbrinker1820]

@@GardenerScott THANKS for the reply. I want to build a small one , all I need to do is figure out the style.

[@gottheilj]

What are your suggestions about seeds started in a cold frame outfitted with an automated vent and heating mat? Will they also require that long hardening off protocol?

[@GardenerScott]

Cold frames can hasten the process because they get the sun exposure. I would still expose them to cooler night temperatures with the frame open before transplanting.

[@gottheilj]

Thank you.

[@racebiketuner]

I use the timer on my phone to make sure I don't overcook them.

[@helenabocquet]

How long does it take to harden off the plants, is 1 week enough?

[@GardenerScott]

Yes, it can be for sturdy plants like tomatoes. Tender plants may take a bit longer.

[@helenabocquet]

@@GardenerScott Thank you, your channel is very helpful !

[@stoshstanowski977]

I have a full time job I work about eight to ten hours every day I love to grow my own vegetables how can I acclimate my vegetables, faster or easier? It was easier when my kids were in school now I don’t have that luxury I don’t know what to do. Could you please give me some advice

[@GardenerScott]

Even a couple hours early or late will help. After a few days, if the weather isn't too extreme, you can try placing plants in a protected area where there is shade and brief sun over the course of the day.

[@JustinMentionedIt]

I like your vaccine awareness shirt 😁

[@racebiketuner]

I like your shirt 🙂

[@johnperez755]

I'm a new subscriber I watch a lot of these videos but I never know anybody's location it bwould be really nice if they added their location into each video I know it might be a little extra but it would be greatly appreciated.

[@GardenerScott]

I mention in many of my videos that I am in Colorado. For many gardening topics like hardening off location isn't an important factor.

[@garyradford9381]

@ Gardner Scott, I bought some watermellon seed Carolina cross type If I just plants will I get mellons that's always Gary Az

[@GardenerScott]

You should get melons.

[@garyradford9381]

@@GardenerScott thank you Gardner Scott

[@ohske]

👍👍👍👌❤❤❤

[@travelinthru9519]

First