| Now that the weather is beginning to warm up, you can start taking your seedlings outdoors to harden them up prior to planting in the garden. You'll need to do this gradually so the seedlings do not go into shock. Simply take the trays or pots outdoors and leave them in a shady place for a few hours each day, leaving them out for longer periods of time over the span of about a week. By the end of the week they should have adapted enough to outdoor weather to be able to spend 24 hours a day outside. Then, if they're sun-loving plants, help them adjust to the sunshine by exposing them first to only morning sun, then to short periods of afternoon sun. Gradually allow them to remain in full sunshine all day long. Once your seedlings have made the necessary adjustments, they can be safely planted in the garden. Enjoy! |
