Harden Off and Plant Out

Once plants have reached the stage where their roots are starting to emerge from the
bottom of the pot, they can be planted out to their final location.

Hardening Off
Plants that have been grown inside need to be "hardened off" or slowly acclimated to
the outdoors over a period of about seven to 10 days. Gradually introduce them to direct
sunlight, dry air, and cold nights so that they don't suffer shock from the sudden change
in growing conditions.

Plants can be hardened off by placing them in a wind- and sun-shaded spot outside,
exposing them to these conditions for an hour a day, then taking them back inside at
night. Extend the time gradually by an hour a day so that they become accustomed to
lower temperatures. Start hardening off half-hardy annuals (e.g. marigolds, petunias,
asters) shortly before the last frosts so plants are ready to plant out.