Re: Hardening off

Cold frames can get very hot and need to be vented. If your frame is in the
sun for even a short amount of time the temperature can soar to over 100. I
would recommend an automatic vent and a minimum/maximum thermometer. Also
think about shading the frame and gradually removing the shade and exposing
the plants to more sun. I usually plan on about 5 days to complete this
process, but some plants are in the frame longer simply because I don't get
to them.

I've set plants deeper when they get leggy; some plants are tough and can
take it, others ? maybe that is what killed them. The consensus here is
that it promotes stem rot. 

Good luck,

Gail - Zone 6


At 02:31 PM 5/4/98 EDT, you wrote:
>I live in Zone 5 and have a couple of questions about seedlings and plants
>I've been given from displays.
>
>First off, I have started a bunch of seedlings (both perennial and annual).
>My concern is that some have gotten leggy.  I have a cold frame and am
getting
>ready to move them out to harden them off for outdoor planting.  I figure
>3-to-4 days with the frame closed, then 3-to-4 days at three different open
>positions.  Have I figured right to harden off?  For the plants that are
>leggy, can I plant some of the stem as well as the root to support them or
>will this cause the stem to rot?
>
>Second, I have two different types of chrysenthemum plants that I've been
>given from floral displays.  I would assume that they were "forced" to bloom.
>I have not replanted them but set them in a sunny window with plenty of water
>(boy, are they thirsty).  Can I plant these outside?  Do I need to harden
them
>off as well since they have only been indoors?  Since they are mums do I need
>to cut them back (I dead headed the blooms right after I brought them home)?
>I assume mums are perennial and should do okay?  I'm not sure of the variety
>of these, one looks like a typical mum with light pink highlights (looks
>asian), and one is a daisy mum.
>
>Thanks for any insights you can give me...
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