Plant hardening
The practice of gradually exposing indoor-grown seedlings to outdoor conditions like cooler temperatures and wind to prepare them for transplanting.
Также говорят: hardening off, plant acclimatization
Hardening off is crucial for physiological adaptation, allowing the plant to develop thicker cuticles and robust cellular structures. This process significantly improves the survival rate and reduces transplant shock after moving plants from a greenhouse to the field.
Start the process about one to two weeks before the final planting date. Initially, move plants to a sheltered, shaded outdoor spot for a few hours daily, gradually increasing their exposure to direct sun and cooler temperatures until they can withstand full outdoor conditions.
Common mistakes include exposing plants to freezing temperatures or harsh direct sunlight too quickly, which leads to leaf scorch and tissue damage. It is also essential to adjust watering schedules, as evaporation rates are higher outdoors than in a controlled environment.