I know Tim. The conditions inside are vastly different than the conditions outside. Hardening off seedlings gradually exposes the tender plants to the wind, sun, and rain. Resume the hardening-off process once the temperature rises. Keeping my fingers crossed. Shannon, I have updated the post to make it more of a step-by-step. Hardening-Off Tomato Plants. Thanks for the information. After proper hardening, tomato plants can usually tolerate light and unexpected frosts with minimum damage. They are probably OK.  Just look at the new growth and if it looks good, your sunburned leaves will not affect your plant or its fruit as it matures. If you do it gradually and add more sun to the hardening off area each day, they should be … How do you know they are ready to plant? After highs in the low teens and single digit lows this comes as welcome news, especially given the size of the seedlings that are still indoors. It’s up to you to prepare them for the real world. Hardening Off Plants grown in a greenhouse or indoors are not used to the direct sunlight or harsh temperature changes between day and night. I doubt it is due to the gas. Thank you. ; Don’t keep your seedlings on the ground if they are out for any length of time. I usually run into problems with hardening them off due to work. Hail and strong cold winds however, will probably damage your plants, no matter how careful you have been in hardening them off. Direct sun enemy number two. I am wondering if you put them back under grow lights when you bring them inside? Hardening off tomato plants The past few days I’ve been planting Crimson Crush and a few bush varieties into large pots and self watering planters. Hardening off tomato plants, or gradually exposing seedlings to the outside environment, strengthens stalks and prepares tomato plants for the transition to the garden. Temperatures below 50 enemy number 3. toughening them up by thickening the cuticle on the leaves so they lose less water when exposed to the elements. This is what your plants need. It connects to the shop sink and the coil expands far enough that I can take it outside to water the plants when they are hardening off. Even store-bought transplants need to be hardened off. Thinning the Seedlings 4) Thinning the seedlings: Even if you have carefully hand-seeded, it is not uncommon to get 2-3 seeds germinate in one cell. Hopefully this answers all of your questions. This 20-page guide is filled with  tips you need to know to have a successful tomato crop, whether you’re a beginning or experienced gardener. Your tutorial seems very helpful, especially for me. You’ve pampered them with plenty of light, water, food, and warmth. But, this process helps any garden transplant. Bring the tomatoes indoors if frost threatens, as even light frost kills tomato plants. Let’s identify them one by one and suggest tips to nurse leggy tomato plants back to health. Amy, that part is an art rather than a science. Hardening off plants is one of the most important steps in gardening. I have had my tomato seedlings decimated in hailstorms, put them aside to compost them,  and then be amazed to see them come back stronger and greener than before (no guarantees, but don’t be too quick to toss them); If your plants are exposed to sun too early or for too long they may get sunburned and the leaves will look more of a pale yellow color rather than a dark lush green. They need a little sun at a time, to get used to it. It is difficult to sort through the staggering array of tomato and pepper varieties, whether buying plants as seedlings or starting from seed. Assuming your plants are fully hardened off and happy in their new home outside you’ll have a whole new set of things to worry about, mainly slugs & snails, aphids and various other pests that now have full access to your beloved chilli plants. After: many vegetables are vining plants or large plants (pole beans, tomatoes & peppers, etc.) Thanx again—, Very helpful article. About 7-10 days before planting them outdoors, help acclimate them to temperatures, sunlight, and wind. If you're late planting, I could also recommend looking to your neighbors with large, mature tomato or pepper plants. Great information. If you don’t have any indirect sunlight and it seems too harsh to you, it probably is. A cold frame provides an excellent environment for hardening off transplants. No reproduction without permission. I’ll definately check back for more info. Hardening off is the gradual process of getting the seedlings acclimated to the outdoors. So, I don’t know for sure but my guess is the change in temperature and conditions from the house to the tunnel is too rapid and it has to be done in stages to fully acclimate them. The jury is still out on the cukes. it all has to do with how you started your plants and where. Wish I had read it a week sooner. Identify the Leggy Tomato Plant Issues There are usually only a few culprits guilt of causing a leggy, spindly plant. The chicks are fleeing the nest, so to speak, and otherwise care for your area of questions! About plants seaweed, fish emulsion or something like that ) gradually over... Off hardening off this more aggressively, as our method is very conservative and safe outside in protected... – michelle may 7 '14 at 14:08 I have tomato friends in TX they..., young seedlings may snap in the spring and you never know which one you ’ ll only leave outside! Is past and sunburn, damaging the plants CSS link to the weather ones–Ghost, Scorpion Thai! 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