Acclimatisation?

[Kalkie]

My first proper question!

I've just planted some seeds for starting off in our conservatory before planting out. Some of the seeds (e.g. runner beans) say to place in a propagator until after germination which takes 7-10 days. OK - I've got that bit!

Then the packet says to "gradually acclimatise to outdoor conditions for 7-10 days before planting out".

Does this mean that once the seeds have germinated, I remove them from the propagator and let grow until the seedlings are a bit bigger. Once the seedlings are large enough to handle, I'm assuming this is when I start acclimatising them? But how do I do this? Do I just put them outdoors for a few hours a day? Or do I put them out and leave them there but still in the pots?

I'm a bit confused and it's only day 1 of my vegetable growing plan!

Thanks

[Paulottie]

Getting things used to outside conditions is known as 'hardening off' in the trade. You do this as it says 7/10 days before you set out.(in the case of runners after all danger of frost is gone (mid mayish in kent) In brief it means exactly what you said- grow on in their 3" pots till then when you start to pop them outside during all but the nastiest days, preferably in a sunny but sheltered spot (against a south/west wall maybe) bring them in at night for the first week and then weather permitting leave them out.

A word of warning Runners don't like cold winds. Don't worry you're doing great.

[Kalkie]

That's brilliant Thanks so much, Paul. It's nice to know I'm on the right track!