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hardening off advice

REMF33REMF33 Posts: 731
in Tools and techniques
I can't be the only gardener who has a full time job. How does one harden things off if you are not around to take things back under cover? I started hardening a number of plants off at the the weekend (hardy annuals) which have been in an unheated greenhouse for most of the winter, so the cold should not be a problem. But it's not just about temperature? Any advice? I will be in the office/away from the house from about 8.45 to 18.30 each day later in the week. They were out for about two hours yesterday. Have been out since 9am this morning, so will go back into the greenhouse soon.

Posts

  • AnniDAnniD Posts: 12,585
    edited March 2023
    Depends where you are in the UK. The forecast here (SW UK) is comparatively mild (at least 9 to 11 degrees during the day) so they should be absolutely fine. If they are in a sheltered position, for example against the house wall, again l think they will be ok.
    What are you growing? 
  • REMF33REMF33 Posts: 731
    edited March 2023
    As I said, I don't think temperature is an issue for these plants given that they have endured sub zero in the greenhouse...? Or am I misunderstanding the process? 
  • REMF33REMF33 Posts: 731
    I see it's going to be a bit windy though. They need to be exposed to a bit of 'weather' but maybe not 30mph gusts. I really need to get things in the ground before Easter, ideally. If it's a case of thickening and altering the plants' leaf structure and increasing leaf waxiness (RHS) will that be achieved by a stop and start process. Will leaving the vents open in the greenhouse help if I have to leave them in there on office days? Am I overthinking it?!?
  • AnniDAnniD Posts: 12,585
    edited March 2023
    My apologies, l thought you were concerned about possible temperature drops. We are in the "four seasons in one day" stage at the moment. 
    I would definitely leave the greenhouse vents open, overnight as well.

  • REMF33REMF33 Posts: 731
    I didn't realize until relatively recently that it wasn't just a temperature thing. Weirdly my greenhouse is colder at night, often, than outside so they really should be hardy on that front. I didn't even get frost burn on the broad beans like I did last year. They are very ready to be planted out in terms of roots filling the root trainers and needing a bit of support. DItto peas.
  • punkdocpunkdoc Posts: 15,039
    I think you might be over thinking it a touch.
    Leaf waxiness is really not an issue for hardy annuals.
    I would take them out of the g/h during the day, then put them back in when you come home from work.
    After a couple of weeks, leave them out, then plant them out.
    How can you lie there and think of England
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  • REMF33REMF33 Posts: 731
    Ok. Thanks very much!
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    There's more problems arising from them being exposed to rough, wet/snowy weather, than there is from temps if they're hardy annuals and have been in an unheated greenhouse all winter.  :)
    If you're really concerned, and have that sort of weather at this time of year, put them somewhere sheltered through the day so that they have a bit of protection from that . 
    Walls, fences, under a table or bench, near other plants etc. All of those can keep them from being knocked about. 
    Otherwise, just put them out as @punkdoc describes.  :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • REMF33REMF33 Posts: 731
    edited March 2023
    Ok well I might put them up near the house while I am in the office given it's going to be windy. Bit of a pallaver - 4 gravel trays' worth, greenhouse at the bottom of a 100 ft garden - but probably sensible. Just hope the snails don't do too much damage. At the moment they are going on the raised beds which are relatively safe and next to the greenhouse.
    edit Hmm. SW wind so maybe next in front of the greenhouse which has a SW facing fence next to it.
  • Dobbin26Dobbin26 Posts: 60
    It's really like the good old hokey cokey. In out, in out, etc. But definitely worth the effort until all frost's have passed considering the efforts to over winter or bringing on from seed. 
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