Then over the course of the week, gradually increase the time and direct sunlight they receive. Begin by bringing the seedlings outdoors (on a calm and mild day) for just a few hours at a time and in a mostly shady location at first. Start hardening off your seedlings about a week prior to transplanting outside. (Heads up: store-bought seedlings have already been hardened off for you!) The process prepares them for the transition to the great outdoors, and greatly reduces the risk of transplant shock or injury during inclimate weather. Hardening off is when indoor-raised seedlings are gradually exposed to a wider variety of elements than they’ve otherwise received while protected indoors, such as direct sunlight, cooler temperatures, and wind.
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