It's finally looking like time to start hardening off plants. I'll start moving things outside for short periods during the day. I'd rather expose them to morning sun, but our mornings are still pretty cool.

I have a few Dragon Wing begonias, and a few tuberous ones that I started in the house. What's the coolest temperature they should be exposed to? I'm thinking about 55. Or are a few hours of 50-ish OK?

Karen

I usually don't worry about mine if it's 50, but yours have likely had perfect or near perfect growing conditions. Maybe harden for cooler temps first by bringing them out to a covered area toward the end of the day and let them experience the cool-down before bringing them in, then progress toward the morning hours and a bit of sun. For the first few days, a big clear tub would help to keep chill drafts at bay as well.

Thanks, Chelle.

Karen

You're welcome, Karen.

I'm planning on setting mine out under cover today.

This is my favorite spot for hardening off. In the mornings, the sun is just in the right position to provide gentle morning sun through the spokes in my deck. The spokes seem to filter just enough sun rays. This was last year.



Karen

That looks ideal!