Longfellow's Blog
Hardening Off
30
May
May
Hardening off your new plants gives them the best chance at success!
What does “hardening off” mean? Many of our annuals, vegetable seedlings and herbs have not been exposed to the outside elements. It is very important to slowly introduce these delicate plants to the cooler temperatures, harsh winds and other outdoor conditions.
Start by placing plants outside a few hours each day. Increase the amount of time they are outside every couple of days. It is important not to leave your newly purchased annuals, vegetables or herbs outside over night as temperatures are still too cool. Be sure to pay close attention to nighttime temperatures as Maine can still be susceptible to a frost even in the beginning of June.
