Hardening off Your Vegies to Plant

When you buy vegetable starts from a nursery, its a good idea to ask if they have been hardened off. Since they have been growing in a greenhouse, hardening off  means that they have been gradually exposed to the outdoors and strengthened to withstand sun, wind and climate fluctuations. If the nursery has not done this,  you will need to harden them off at home.  Begin by watering well and placing them outside near the house away from winds for 3 hours. Bring them back indoors and keep inside overnight.  Repeat again for several days gradually moving the starts away from the protection of the house. You will watch your plants  grow thicker and stronger gaining a better chance to thrive and produce well once planted in your garden.