Hardening Off Your Young Indoor Started Plants

Рет қаралды 25,181

2 жыл бұрын

Harden Off Your Plants! Before planting out in the garden, the seedlings and young plants that you started off indoors must be acclimatized to the conditions outdoors first. Its a simple process, but very very important!
In today's video, I'll explain what it means to "harden off" your plants, plus I'll show you why it is so important. Finally, we'll go through every step in hardening off young plants so that you don't miss a beat in the transition from inside to out this spring.
2022 is the Year of the Garden! We deserve it after the last little while, and growing our own food and self sufficiency is just the reward we need to get back on track!
For more information on all your gardening questions, check out my other videos!:
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Starting Cucumber Seeds: • Video
Starting Zucchini Seeds: • Growing Zucchini Part ...
Starting Corn Seeds: • Growing Corn - Part 1 ...
Starting Pumpkin Seeds: • How To Grow Pumpkins -...
DIY Ultimate Potting Mix: • Make Your Own Potting ...
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#gardening #planting #homestead

Пікірлер: 104

@TheRipeTomatoFarms 2 жыл бұрын

If you're just starting out gardening in 2022, please check out my Amazon Affiliate links below to get the right tools for the job! It doesn't cost you a cent, but this channel receives a small incentive for any items purchase through Amazon. Happy Gardening! Handy 12-piece Garden Tool Set!: Amazon Canada: amzn.to/3jsNIyk Amazon USA: amzn.to/2YZhFwx Amazon UK: amzn.to/3qapNql Hand Pruners: Amazon Canada: amzn.to/2YSIFxP Amazon USA: amzn.to/3q3Oftq Amazon UK: amzn.to/2YR3Xf8 Watering Can: Amazon Canada: amzn.to/39U4nIc Amazon USA: amzn.to/3EiUNeF Amazon UK: amzn.to/3oX7hAa Spray Gun: Amazon Canada: amzn.to/3aBxijm Amazon USA: amzn.to/3aL7UHS Amazon UK: amzn.to/3ruol1Z Gardening Gloves: Amazon Canada: amzn.to/2Lt6ZDx Amazon USA: amzn.to/3tzJ32t Amazon UK: amzn.to/3jpf1cU

@Tan_Z 2 жыл бұрын

I can't believe KZfaq never recommended your channel before.🤔 Oh well, now I can binge watch your videos!👍🏻😊

@TheRipeTomatoFarms 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks so much Van, glad to have you aboard!! 🙂

@travism41 26 күн бұрын

Coffee and plants, it doesn't get much better. Thank you for this video and has helped me plan what I will do when I'm ready to sell some of my plants

@kendvp8208 Ай бұрын

Informative video, one thing to add based on my own experience, zucchini plants are not as critical when it comes to hardening off. I planted dozens of Black Beauty Zucchini this year and last year, started in a greenhouse then moved them to outside planters in the springtime. I never did any hardening off and they all came out great. Peppers on the other hand, I started growing in the kitchen by the window and as soon as I moved them outside in the sun, within about three hours the leaves were completely shriveled up and destroyed. Peppers are waaaaaaay more sensitive than zucchini when transitioning from inside to outside. I don't think they'll die because they started growing new leaves, but it definitely slowed them down. I have tomato plants too which I haven't experimented transitioning, but I think I'll just leave them in the greenhouse.

@dahutful 2 жыл бұрын

Sticking with them is the biggest lesson I've taken from the hardening off process. I see it as a babysitting job.

@TheRipeTomatoFarms 2 жыл бұрын

EXACTLY David.... It very much is!

@Kevs2tuff 2 жыл бұрын

This is the most indepth video on hardening off plants I've seen so far! Great job brother! Very informative 👏

@TheRipeTomatoFarms 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks so much!! You know I appreciate that! 🙂

@AJWGBFX 2 жыл бұрын

Brilliant! A must know topic for growers. The first video where I've seen the process explained fully so that people understand why it's necessary. Hardening off is normally dealt with in passing. Happy sowing and growing

@TheRipeTomatoFarms 2 жыл бұрын

Totally agree! Thanks for watching and for the kind words! :-)

@jasonmcelveen6295 3 ай бұрын

Best gardening videos!😊

@TheRipeTomatoFarms 2 ай бұрын

Thanks Jason! Much appreciated!!

@andyp.4205 2 жыл бұрын

Here's the recipe I use from a cooperative extension blog and its totally adaptable as Jeff indicated. I'm in Upstate New York, Zone 5A. Wind hasn't stopped blowing with cool temps. However, I'm fortunate to have an 8 x 12 greenhouse where temps inside are 80 plus and I use shade cloth to provide filtered sun and a soft breeze from a portable fan. The peppers and tomatoes seem happy. Day 1 1 Hour total Shade Day 2 1 1/2 hours shade 30 minutes Sun Day 3 2 hours Shade 1 Hour Sun Day 4 2 Hours Shade 2 Hours Sun Day 5 1 hour Shade 3-4 hours Sun Day 6 Shade if needed 5-6 hours Sun Day 7 Outside overnight 7 hours Sun Day 8 Outside Overnight All Day Sun! This time of year, as Jeff indicated I would extend the timetable and not rush things. It appears I will have quite a few grow bags in the greenhouse until they can sit outside when nighttime temps are 50 plus consistently. It seems the weather this spring where I live is not in the norm.

@TheRipeTomatoFarms 2 жыл бұрын

PERFECT Andy, thanks so much for sharing!!

@teresaellis895 Жыл бұрын

?..I'm hardening off now.I put on coveted porch but out longer..I guess that I may over do it.I have in wagon that I bring indoors..Can I leave in wagon or do I have to put back under growlight...seriously..I hope you say I dont

@jennmeyer9715 2 жыл бұрын

I love your channel!! I'm a first time gardener and appreciate all of your videos and hard work!

@happytime1012 Жыл бұрын

Wonderful advice. Thank you!!

@kevinrowbotham545 2 жыл бұрын

I tend to agree with the sentiment that using full spectrum LED's seems to make my tomatoes a bit less sensitive to sunlight when I start to harden them off. I also use a fan in the nursery to provide some air movement, which I have seen helps starts 'weather' the breeze outdoors better. However, there is nothing to be done to completely avoid a period of hardening off, as far as I am aware. Great coverage of one of the most important, but often overlooked or mishandled aspects of gardening. Cheers Jeff!

@TheRipeTomatoFarms 2 жыл бұрын

100% correct Kevin. The stronger the light, coupled with a fan for air motion......you're over half way there for hardening off. That's how the commercial houses do it! 🙂

@jimaboughoche6191 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Jeff for all the info!I'm in Calgary and I really like that I can put your tips and knowledge to the test since we have similar growing conditions.

@TheRipeTomatoFarms 2 жыл бұрын

Hey Jim, thanks for watching and for the kind words! :-)

@MichelleHufana 3 ай бұрын

I didn't know hardening off was a thing! Thank you so much for your video ;_; you're so loved!

@QuiteQuietASMR 2 ай бұрын

This was a wonderful video. Very thorough explanation and great visuals

@TheRipeTomatoFarms 2 ай бұрын

Cheers, thanks for watching!

@twincolefarm5593 2 жыл бұрын

You are definitely my new favorite KZfaqr to watch! Thanks for the great content.😁

@TheRipeTomatoFarms 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Jessica, much appreciated! :-)

@JV-nl1ts Жыл бұрын

Thank you so much you taught me so much. I really appreciate your video JV🙏❤️🤗

@prabhjotprabhjot6798 2 ай бұрын

Thanks for sharing

@susanbritton-giza5054 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you !😍

@wedtokerhimrarib3123 2 жыл бұрын

This is really a very useful important lesson. Thanks.

@TheRipeTomatoFarms 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks buddy! 🙂

@irisapartments8156 Жыл бұрын

Very good tutorial.

@carolexo7269 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you....that was very good!

@TheRipeTomatoFarms 2 жыл бұрын

Cheers Carolexo! Thanks for watching!

@jenniferhahn7806 2 жыл бұрын

I learned this the hard way this year. I put my fall gold raspberry outside once frost was past in the same sunny spot it lived in before it overwintered in my enclosed porch. I had it by the east facing windows in the last month inside and it started leafing out. 48 hours after I put it outside, 15% of the leaves were white and shriveled. I moved it to a shadier spot and am waiting until it recovers.

@TheRipeTomatoFarms 2 жыл бұрын

Sorry to hear that Jennifer....we've all done it though. It'll bounce back. Hydration without overwatering and it'll spring back to life!

@jenniferhahn7806 2 жыл бұрын

@@TheRipeTomatoFarms The new blackberry cane lost all its leaves, but its stem is still green and I'm hoping I see something growing up beside it soon! The strawberries and the brandywine raspberry took it in stride. Thanks for your channel, its fantastic!

@TheRipeTomatoFarms 2 жыл бұрын

@@jenniferhahn7806 fingers crossed Jennifer! Thanks for all the support!

@martnava1661 4 ай бұрын

my tomatoes turned from lush green, strong proud plants to white limp dead noodles when I planted them out. def need to harden first. fortunately I only planted a few outside to see how they'd fare I'll try hardening the rest

@timothyshanley1132 2 жыл бұрын

Lol Jeff during the live chat earlier I totally forgot to mention, my tomatoes actually out grew my lighting shelves. Seperated as much as possible and some plants are past the lights

@TheRipeTomatoFarms 2 жыл бұрын

Definitely happens Timothy! Its amazing how aggressive they can grow!

@timothyshanley1132 2 жыл бұрын

@@TheRipeTomatoFarms and stuck in the house as it's too cold at night to plant. I did sacrifice two last weekend to test the nights. They are actually doing fine, just not growing much do to cold, but not dying either

@TheRipeTomatoFarms 2 жыл бұрын

@@timothyshanley1132 yeah, drop the temperature, up the light, and don't fertilize... Try to hold them back a little

@flowercats8106 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you!!

@TheRipeTomatoFarms 2 жыл бұрын

:-)

@johnjude2685 2 жыл бұрын

If I decide to build a green house and it would be nice and help dirt from my sunroom that is second best. As I was thinking I also know about the insulation plastic panels as you used as used a piece for window for lighting up my shed. I'm glad you are showing this as I did ok last season but hope to know more about why and why I'm doing Thanks Jeff

@TheRipeTomatoFarms 2 жыл бұрын

Right on John! All we can do is build upon our knowledge base every season! 🙂

@fishingwithfilitsa 2 жыл бұрын

Great video, liked👍👍

@TheRipeTomatoFarms 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching! 🙂

@sircorkysriley4904 2 жыл бұрын

does anyone put a fan on the indoor plants off and on to help with the wind part??

@SeventhSamurai72 2 жыл бұрын

Great info, thank you for sharing. Here where I live in Colorado, I won't be hardening off until mid May🤪

@TheRipeTomatoFarms 2 жыл бұрын

Oh man, that's a late one! All the best this season!

@SeventhSamurai72 2 жыл бұрын

@@TheRipeTomatoFarms Thank you. Gardening here on the high plains (6400') has a big learning curve🤪🤯 I still love it and I still do it😁

@TheRipeTomatoFarms 2 жыл бұрын

@@SeventhSamurai72 oh yeah, steep learning for sure! Good stuff!

@kittiew260 2 жыл бұрын

Ty need reminder because this weather ugh!

@TheRipeTomatoFarms 2 жыл бұрын

So true Kittie... The weather is just bonkers!

@shanewest7731 2 жыл бұрын

Hi Jeff, great video. I've noticed since using full spectrum LED lights the necessary hardening off process seems to be shorter. I guess that's due to the UV-light that LED's emit. Do you think it possible to eliminate the hardening off process by adding extra UV-A and UV-B lights. I would really appreciate your opinion on that. I Always use ventilators for airflow, I agree with what you said, airflow is often overlooked even by seasoned gardeners here on KZfaq. Have a great weekend!!!

@075jammer 2 жыл бұрын

This west coast spring weather has been cold. Is it time yet to harden off and transplant my purple broccoli and squash starters? I'm new to growing my own starters 😉. Love your videos. They're very helpful!

@TheRipeTomatoFarms 2 жыл бұрын

Very cold! It feels more like November than it does April! Broccoli for sure can be hardened off now....squash pretty much too, just be more gradual and careful with it. :-)

@alisax6682 Жыл бұрын

i have bell pepper plants could i just leave them to grow inside since thats how i started them with the grow lights?

@rebeccahowdershelt9050 2 жыл бұрын

Hi, I'm excited to try your potting mix. I have the coco fiber and compost. I ordered alfalfa meal, azomite, oyster flakes and epsom salt. My question is - can the additives be mixed together and saved for later in an airtight container? I won't be needing it all right now. Thanks and love your channel!

@TheRipeTomatoFarms 2 жыл бұрын

Hi Rebecca! Oh yes, the amendments, if kept dry and at moderate temps can pretty much last forever! Cheers!

@Bev437Sqn 2 жыл бұрын

Shared

@TheRipeTomatoFarms 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Bev!! 🙂

@lorisaunders176 2 жыл бұрын

Your plants look so nice. I am very discouraged with mine…especially the tomatoes…they are still indoors for another month too…they are not very rich in colour at all and the leaves are yellowing and are curled a bit. I water only when the container is light,,,I have them close to light in front of a big window facing south…..fertilized twice already as they are about a foot or so tall…any tips?

@honeyvitagliano3227 Жыл бұрын

❤

@user-ou6ql1cr4f 2 жыл бұрын

Very nice

@TheRipeTomatoFarms 2 жыл бұрын

Cheers! :-)

@user-ou6ql1cr4f 2 жыл бұрын

@@TheRipeTomatoFarms on welcome

@user-fx5cv8wd5l 3 ай бұрын

Is the outside day temperature equal or slightly higher 60 degrees F sufficient to start hardening tomato seedlings? In the evening, they will all go back to the hot house where temperature is about 75 degrees F.

@TheRipeTomatoFarms 3 ай бұрын

Yes.... 60F calm days are perfect to start gardening off.

@user-fx5cv8wd5l 3 ай бұрын

@@TheRipeTomatoFarms Thank you!

@TheRipeTomatoFarms 3 ай бұрын

@@user-fx5cv8wd5l no problem! :-)

@K-Zone 2 жыл бұрын

I am wondering, I've seen the "easy way" to harden off, since I certainly dont have the time to bring them out every day for a week. If I take like 3-4 days of bright overcast days, would that be okay? Or put them in bright shade for a few days and then plant them, Or put shade cloth on top to protect from the sun? Thank you! Great video, as always

@TheRipeTomatoFarms 2 жыл бұрын

Yup, you can speed up the process or slow it down. Plants are adaptable. This timeline is a suggestion because it works....but its not the final say and you can modify your schedule. 🙂

@K-Zone 2 жыл бұрын

@@TheRipeTomatoFarms Thank you!

@TheRipeTomatoFarms 2 жыл бұрын

@@K-Zone Cheers! 🙂

@FoxDragon Жыл бұрын

One thing I never see mentioned in these hardening off tutorials is rain. I'm in the PNW, rain in spring is practically a daily occurrence, and this is my first year starting my own seedlings inside to transplant into my garden. If I am hardening plants off do I only do it on clear days, or keep them outside but under cover? Or can they be out in a drizzle if they have had a couple days to start hardening off but if it gets heavier bring them in?

@waynegretzky8464 Жыл бұрын

My neighbor, an old Italian gardener actually showed me to soak your transplants in pure rain water before you plant them. It nearly eliminated shock I was amazed.

@thimovijfschaft3271 2 жыл бұрын

I put the plants 1 week under the parasol of my garden bench. And then 1 week on the ground. But yeah I want to leave them outside for the night but I don't think pepers, tomato and peanuts are gonna like tempatures below 10°C so I'm not doing that. Yesterday I already moved my peanuts outside an hour too early and it was still 10°C and the new leaves all started to become weak and hang. Also under the parasol it gets shade for most of the day but gets the full sun during the evening, and the spot where I put them on the ground has the opposite. But the leaves of my peanutplant are closing themselves until the evening. So I think it's still not completely used to having this much sun eventhough it's doing so for 2 weeks now.

@TheRipeTomatoFarms 2 жыл бұрын

Right on Thimo! Gotta experiment and do what yours best for your setup! :-)

@Enoch-pw1js 2 жыл бұрын

👍🏻

@TheRipeTomatoFarms 2 жыл бұрын

:-)

@teresaellis895 Жыл бұрын

It's 70 during the day but lows to 40..I have plants in wagon is it best to bring at night or let them get use to a cool night?

@TheRipeTomatoFarms Жыл бұрын

40 is getting pretty low. May not kill the plant, but you'll see some leaf damage likely

@teresaellis895 Жыл бұрын

@The Ripe Tomato Farms thanks for responding.I put in wagon so that helps.I feel I may have left out too long today...I have covered area and tucked them under ...it's seriously like a new mom syndrome.

@helen2061 2 жыл бұрын

Hi Jeff...I live in an extremely windy coastal area in the Northeast. There are days I can put my seedlings outside and other days I wouldn't bc of the wind. Is this irregular pattern ok for them?

@TheRipeTomatoFarms 2 жыл бұрын

Definitely ok Helen. The plants aren't counting the hours/days precisely. Its all a cumulative effect and every little bit adds up! :-)

@helen2061 2 жыл бұрын

@@TheRipeTomatoFarms Thank you!

@vacationgal05 2 жыл бұрын

Is there any hints to signal they're hardened off enough to live outside?

@TheRipeTomatoFarms 2 жыл бұрын

Hi Veronica, I usually just go by time and by what the weather is doing.

@johnjude2685 2 жыл бұрын

Something I learned about and did last but could I've done it quicker and did I waste some time overdoing it. QUESTION: Jeff is there a "sign " that I can see, know they seem stiffer and studier.

@TheRipeTomatoFarms 2 жыл бұрын

Yup, it all plays a part. Even just a few days of gradual entry into the elements makes a huge difference.

@ronniebrace2917 2 жыл бұрын

Question… I had my seedlings ready for outside , hardened them off for 2 weeks. The weather changed, 26 degrees and high winds for 3 days so I stopped putting them outside. Do I have to restart the process completely or will a day or two be fine when the high winds and low temps stop? Thanks

@TheRipeTomatoFarms 2 жыл бұрын

Hi Ronnie, great question! It doesn't really reset back to the beginning unless the plants are fully conditioned to inside life again. If you've worked on it and had multiple days outside, but then had a span of three days back in, they aren't going to revert to being soft that fast. You'll be good to continue on! :-)

@ronniebrace2917 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks!

@TheRipeTomatoFarms 2 жыл бұрын

@@ronniebrace2917 let us know how it goes Ronnie!

@ronniebrace2917 2 жыл бұрын

@@TheRipeTomatoFarms I gave them one day to readjust just to be safe and they were all fine-thanks