Surely you can hardly wait to finally get all the beautiful plants out of their winter quarters and put them on the terrace or balcony. This makes the outdoor area appear much friendlier. But before that is possible, the weather needs to improve for some species. And then an adjustment period is definitely necessary. How exactly can you harden off potted plants?
As a real plant fan, I also have a lot of potted plants in the boiler room, just waiting to smell the spring air and feel the first rays of sunshine. I give those that I don't put directly in the shade of the terrace when I move out enough time to get used to the conditions outside.
Why should you harden off potted plants?
Overwintering, as the process is also called, is recommended for all plants that have been overwintered. Yes, even for those who were actually in a sunny place and were supposed to be used to sunlight. This is not the case, because the direct sunlight outside has a much stronger effect than that which is attenuated by the glass pane. In addition, there are cool winds that did not exist in the winter quarters. So your plants are literally spoiled and more vulnerable.
These are the benefits of taking the time to harden off potted plants:
- Frostbite is avoided
- Leaves do not suffer sunburn; However, this is less of a problem with a radical spring cut, as newly sprouting leaves are immediately exposed to the weather and gradually get used to it
- Plants suddenly brought outside can go into shock, making them weaker and more susceptible to disease and pests
This is what I do with my potted plants when the time for wintering approaches:
When can you start wintering out?
That depends on two factors:
- What was the temperature in the winter quarters?
- What plant is it?
How temperature affects timing
You can probably already guess what this means: the cooler a plant has been, the more likely it will be to tolerate the relatively low temperatures outdoors. She gets used to the environment more quickly. You can also start dewintering earlier than with potted plants that were overwintered in a warm room.
Harden off frost-tolerant potted plants
- Although you had to overwinter your potted plants, there are probably some that can cope with temperatures around zero and are therefore usually overwintered under these conditions. For me, for example, this is the case with the oleander and lemon tree.
(Attention, lemon trees can also be overwintered in a bright and warm place, but then their care needs will change as you doread herecan)
These types of plants can go outdoors when daytime temperatures no longer fall below zero.
- If the winter quarters had a temperature of 15 degrees or even more, it is considered warm. The plants that have spent the winter there would be damaged if they were moved outside immediately. That's why you have to harden off these potted plants. In addition, nighttime temperatures must no longer fall below 5 degrees.
The Ice Saints in May are suitable for orientation. This is the time that gardeners consider safe. However, if you have the time to always monitor the weather and bring the plants back into the warm when necessary, you don't necessarily have to wait that long.
How exactly do you harden the potted plants as soon as the weather cooperates?
My plants are in the boiler room, but far from the stove and directly at the door to the garden, which is not particularly well sealed, so they are sufficiently cool, but not cold. For this reason they need gradual outwintering. If the conditions mentioned are present in my region, I gradually acclimate my plants to the outside conditions. This is what it looks like every 3 weeks:
- Avoid extremes right from the start
Even if it is a plant that loves full sun, it would be a big mistake to immediately move it to a sunny and open location. The direct sunlight would burn the leaves without hesitation.
Strong, cold winds and drafts make things difficult for even the most stubborn plants when they've just come out of the roost. A wind-protected location is therefore important.
Remember that the plant has been warm so far.Sudden frostwill harm her. If you cannot bring the potted plant back into the quarters, you should place protective fleece over it.
So the optimal location for the first week is:shady, protected from wind, frost-free (or frost protection overnight). For me, this is all done on the covered terrace.
Tipp:If you would like to prune your patio and balcony plants, then this week is the ideal time to do so. In the event that some potted plants do not survive the winter, you can remove the affected parts of the plant at the same time.
- After the first week you can become more courageous
From the second week onwards I increase the amount of influences. The pots are now placed in a semi-shady place so that they can receive moderate amounts of sunlight. This new location can and should be windier.
It is important that your potted plant does not get any of the midday sun despite the permissible sun. This would be far too much for the sensitive specimen. If possible, avoid western exposure with afternoon sun, as this is already relatively strong. The morning sun in the east would be optimal.
As of this week the location is:in partial shade and a little windy. Night frosts are no longer a problem for frost-tolerant specimens, so they no longer need to be protected. Personally, I now place the plants on the east side of the house under two large lilac bushes, which guarantee partial shade but also allow morning sun.
- Once the second week is over, the adjustment is complete
After the second week in partial shade, I put my plants in their usual location or, if the plant is new, in the place specified for them.
You can learn how to harden off your tomato plantsread here.
Think about a plant check!
It's not just your potted plants that feel right at home in their cozy, warm winter quarters. Pests also have the best conditions for an infestation there. In addition, the plants are weaker and therefore more vulnerable due to winter dormancy and poorer lighting conditions.
When you harden the potted plants, remember to check them for diseases and pests and start eliminating or curing them in a timely manner. The sooner, the less damage occurs and the easier and faster you can get rid of the problem.
