Initial Care for New Plants - Hardening Off

Young "annual" plants purchased from the Skagit County Extension Master Gardener Plant Fair should not be planted directly into your garden. The plants have been started in warm greenhouses and protected from frost, wind, rain, and hot sun. These plants include our tomatoes, veggie and herb starts as well as annual flowers. Hardening off is the process that acclimates the tender, young plants to their new environment in your garden.

At first keep your new plants inside at night and start hardening them by placing them outside in a sheltered, shady area such as a cold frame, covered porch, or even under a tree for a few hours during the warmest part of the day. Do not sit your plants on the ground because slugs and snails will make a quick meal off them. Keep the plants well-watered not allowing them to dry out, but also not having them sit in standing water.

Start off with a couple of hours a day outside then move them back into a shelter as soon as the  temperature drops. Set a timer so you don't forget them. Do this for two or three days then go to a half-day, then on to a full day gradually moving them into full sun. After 7-10 days, the plants should be ready to be planted in the ground. Stake them to protect the tender stalks from the wind. After the first month apply balanced fertilizer regularly.

If you need help, talk to an extension master gardener. Visit our Plant Clinics or Farmer's Market Booths for advice.