The seedlings you have grown indoors for the summer garden during winter will soon have to be brought out for it to grow under natural conditions. Until now they would have experienced uniform temperature, moisture and controlled lighting and just getting them outdoors can send them into a shock leading even to death.

Slow acclimatizing of seedlings to the outside weather conditions is extremely important before they are planted in the soil. The process is called 'hardening off', which acclimatizes seedlings gradually to stronger light, gustier winds and colder night temperature before they get a permanent place in the soil.

Put the pots or flats in which your seedlings are growing in a sunny location where they are protected from the winds. Keep it for a few hours the first day and gradually increase the number of hours. The plants can also be protected by cold frames which are basically unheated, four-walled structures with a glass or plastic roof.

After the hardening period, the plants are ready for a permanent position in the garden. Transplanting should be done on a cool day, so that any form heat shock is avoided. The use of a transplant fertilizer (10-52-10; or 5-15-5) is recommended at the time of planting. This aids quick root development and helps the plant to establish itself in the soil more quickly. Soak the plants in the solution for 5-10 minutes so that the roots take up the fertilizer and then plant. Later you can shift the normal fertilizing regimen.

If you like artciles about trees & shrubs....These pages might also interest you:

Guide to Conifers & Evergreens, How to Prune Shrubs, Gardening With Viburnum, Gingko Trees, Growing Magnolias, Japanese Barbury, Katsura Trees,Shrubs as Garden Borders,The Weeping Atlas Tree, Tough Trees, Great Birch Trees, Growing Citrus Trees, How to Prune Shrubs,How to Start Seedlings, Lustrous Abelia, Popular Shrubs, Shrub Winter Care Guide, Shrubs With Berries, Summer Hydrangeas