Q&A: Hardening off Plants

A: After a plant has spent the winter inside--protected from harsh winter temperatures--it must be gradually re-acclimated to the outdoors before it can be left there for the season. Any new growth will be tender, and shouldn't be immediately exposed to cold nighttime temperatures. A good rule of thumb is to move the plant outside for two hours the first day, four hours for the second, six hours for the third and so on. After about a week, the plant can be allowed to remain outside overnight and should then be hardened enough to stay out for the remainder of the season.

--Jeff Cox, Host