Hardening off

[Bramble_killer]

The greenhouse is getting a bit too full and I need some more space so some of them will be starting to be left outside. How long do they need to harden off?

I've got 5 courgette in their planters, one large tub of salad leaves and some calabrese to go in the ground. Also put some strawberries out from the greenhouse into a big planter. Can that stay outside tonight or do I need to harden them off as well?

Answers before dusk please

[FionaH]

Salad is hardy and can live outdoors, I think the courgettes need to be kept warm though. Sure someone more experienced will be along soon with the definitive answer

[ann-the-nan]

Hardening off.

Fi is right in what she says. You MAY be OK with broccoli, but it depends how tender your wee plants are. If in doubt fling a fleece across the lot. If you don't have any, try newspaper. One night in an emergency, I flung a sheet over everything and it avoided the frost. I'm sure there are better ways, tho'.
I'm off now to close greenhouse doors and fling the fleece here and there, tho' I don't think it will be too cold in Brissle. (In Wesvinglen)

[Bramble_killer]

I'm down south in sussex and the unheated greenhouse gets to 8C most nights now

Will fling the enviromesh over the salad leaves tonight and then carry the courgettes back in. Might get some fleece soon

Thanks

[Jenegade]

I think the Calabrese should be fine, harden it off outside for a few days or just plant it out and cover it with a bottle cloche. Mine were planted outside under a bottle cloche over a month ago and I took the bottle off about 2 weeks ago, they seem fine ok really.

[Two_Sheds]

Harden EVERYTHING off for 7-10 days, gradually acclimatising your plants to the great outdoors.

There're no shortcuts.

It's not just about frost, it's about wind, cold air, cold soil etc.

[Bramble_killer]

Even the salad leaves? and the strawberries?

[Two_Sheds]

Of course.
If they've been kept indoors, in the warm with no wind to deal with, they are going to be soft and tender. They need to be toughened up (hardened off).
Even hardy (can withstand a frost) plants need to be hardened off for a week if they've been raised indoors.

[Bramble_killer]

off for a little late night garden trek


thanks

[FionaH]

Take a torch