Hardening off

[Lavenderblue]

Just a quick question about my sweet peas (all 5 of them)

What is the best way to harden them off. They are getting big, not leggy because i pinched the tops out so i think they are ready to go outside and they need hardening off.

My yard here is very sheltered - surrounded by brick walls and half covered with decking (i didn't do it, the landlord did!) - would they be OK if I just put them outside for the next week then up to the lottie or shall i bring them in for a week over night, the next week leave them outside and then take them to the allotment where there is no protection at all.

What do you reckon?

[Sue]

Lavenderblue
I can't do the hardening off thing as I'm not on the allotment everyday so I do the best I can which is move the plants out of the greenhouse to the coldframe for a week and then plant out but cover them in either fleece or a plastic bottle cloche for a week or two. That seems to work OK and also helps keep the slugs off.
best wishes
Sue

[sewer rat]

Hi Lavenderblue
I think that your own idea about putting them out during the day for a week, then leaving them out in your yard all night for a week sounds about right - but if frost is forecast, make sure you either bring them in for that night or fleece them.

[Two_Sheds]

My hardening off is a bit off this year, because I'm not at the greenhouse every day... I am doing my best when I am there, taking everything out for the day then tucking them all back inside for the night. I reckon it'll take me four weeks to harden off with this method, rather than the usual 7-10 days (of daily hardening off)

[rustylady]

I'm helping out TwoSheds. Mind you, with the new granddaughter arriving last night it's a good job we didn't have a frost cos the plants have now been outside for three days.

[Two_Sheds]

Mr Sheds bought me a plastic greenhouse y'day ... so I can fill it with thousands of French Beans, yay!
It will make hardening off a lot easier.
If the darn thing stays up that is.