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Hardening off/transplanting questions

10 years ago

1) I've been hardening off my plants for four days now. We've had great weather, and today my plants where out for 5-6 hours. Tomorrow the forecast says awful weather, with lots of rain. I can put the plants outside without being hit by the rain - is this still worthwhile, or should I just keep them inside until the weather turns again? If so - do I then start over with the 7-10 days of hardening off?

2) Many of my plants have peppers on them. A Ring of Fire plant has as many as 15, even though the plant is kinda small/stunted. Is it a good idea to pick all the peppers off before planting out, so the plants can focus on growing instead?

3) When a seed package says "80 days from transplanting" - why are plant's seasons measured from transplanting, and not sowing? When exactly is "transplanting"? When the plant is first potted on? Planted outside? Potted into its final pot?

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Comments (9)

tsheets
10 years ago
I would just leave them out in a somewhat protected spot unless it's going to be a severe thunderstorm or something. Last week, I made sure mine were tucked under a tree for protection when they were calling for rain.

I hate those days to maturity dates. They never seem to be anywhere near close for me.
Bill_Missy
10 years ago
If you can protect them from the rain even a little, I would still continue the hardening off process. I have never seen a seed packet reference from transplanting, but from germination. As far as #2, I personally would leave them be, but others may remove.

Bill
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Singcharlene, I took a look at your weather forecast there in Castle Rock and after tonight's thunderstorms it just looks clear and HOT. If the storm doesn't adequately soak the ground, make sure your soil is good and wet. Dehydration is a major threat for your new plant starts. Then, sometime tomorrow you need to give those tender plants some protection from a very hot sun. The easiest way that I know of is to take a double page from the newspaper and pull it into a cone shape with the top open. Pin it to the ground with soil or rocks. You can leave it mostly open on the north side just make sure that it shades the plant thru the heat of midday. ThatÂs all you are trying to do Â provide some shade. Night-time temperatures of 50 are really fine. If your plants came from outdoor racks at the garden center, you are ahead of the game but you can be sure that they havenÂt been out there long. Further, damage to the roots will make your 85 degree weather tough on them. Are you really at 6,400 feet?? The high altitude makes for an intensity of sunlight which is likely to burn your skin and your plants. Your garden will probably be fine but any babying you do for your plants at this young and tender age is likely to be worth the effort. HereÂs wishing you and yours the Best of Luck! Steve
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hello, I would keep them inside tonight. 49* will not hurt the plant but it's not great 41* might damage your plants or at least it could stunt them. Try putting the plants in a shaded area outside for a fw hours then move them to the sun for about a half hour increase the time outside and the time in direct sun until you leave them out 24/7 when night time lows are 50 - 55 and all danger of frost has past. This process should take about two weeks unless the danger of rost in your area has not passed yet you can plant them out when there done.
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woohooman San Diego CA zone 10a
10 years ago
If the lows for the most part are in the 50's or above, I'd let them out at night and leave 'em. Of course protect them any harsh winds or rain.

Kevin
cjohansen
Original Author
10 years ago
Parts of the day actually saw good sun, but now it's cloudy and I'm waiting for the rain to start. I left the plants outside, but pulled them close to the house so I can open the awning if it starts raining. (btw, these are half my plants, I'm doing this in batches)
CanadianLori
10 years ago
This is the piece of information that I have been searching for. The overnight lowest that new seedlings will tolerate. So 50F (10C) is the temperature to aim for? I'm really anxious to put them out. We've got lows of 9 & 10 forecast at the end on the week so I probably shouldn't think about moving anybody into the elements? (Yes, I think of them as my green babies..)
many thanks for any advice
Bill_Missy
10 years ago
You should be fine. Just watch them if it does get to low. I had 3 week old seedlings spend 2 consecutive nights out side at 38-39f and a lot of nights low 40s and they are doing great. If it gets below 45 or so, I would consider bringing them in. 50's you will be oaky.

Bill
cjohansen
Original Author
10 years ago
Right now it's 1am and 14C/57F. Plants have been hardening off for five days, so I guess it's safe to leave them outside. I gotta admit, I'm scared stiff of leaving them out for the night, but one day will be the first :)

We're scheduled for some insane rain either tomorrow or in two days, so I'll hold off leaving them out until that's over with.
woohooman San Diego CA zone 10a
10 years ago
Yep: Bill_missy is right. Mid to high 40's is fine for babies for hardening. I, myself, wouldn't bother for long periods(more than a week) at those temps because growth is almost nonexistent. They're better off inside.

Adults are much more tolerant. I've had short periods of frost before and they survived fine. Of course, short periods of frost where I'm at is a couple HOURS right before sunrise. ;)

Kevin
cjohansen
Original Author
10 years ago
My plants are no babies. The youngest are the tomatoes and Pontas (sweet peppers), which were sown mid-march. The rest is from early February, and some are already two feet tall.

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