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Re: Hardening off

> After we have spent out time cleaning our seeds and watching them
> germinating  in our cold frame or greenhouse, there is process called
> "HARDENING OFF" which needs to be understood.
>
> Why is it important to Harden off seedlings  and what could happen if
> you don't?  What are the pro's and con's for Harding off annual,
> perennials and or alpines?  Do alpines need to be harden off?

   Hardening off is a process which will acclimate young seedlings to
the cold, hard world...   Most seedlings are produced in  climate
controlled, protected environments.
NO matter how much light the plants have been grown under, the intensity
of sunlight will be greater, as well as the outdoor wind and
temperatures, especially if you consider the variance in day and
nightime temperatures.
Therefore, we must acclimate, or "harden off" our "babies" to get them
ready to survive with normal care (watering, feeding and transplanting
when necessary).
The process can be accopmplished in less than 1 week.  When you first
bring your plants outsied, tehy will need some protection from full
exposure to both sunlight and temperatue extremes.  Some shade
protection should be offered, especially in the afternoon, and some
protection from  nighttime temperatures is necessary.
Here, the use of a "cold-frame" is perfect.  The frame should, at first
be shaded, and closed as night approaches.  Then, each day or two, let
more light in for more hours, and keep the frame open longer each day
(earlier and later) until the plants are totally exposed.
Certainly, If frost or heavy rains are expected, the plants will need to
be protected for that period of time.
HOpe the addresses the question.

Rika
Willow Pond Nursery    http://willowpondnursery.com
P.S.  I'm still looking for a nurseryman and head propagator --any ideas
on where to search?  thanks -rika
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