Hardening Off (this is where I usually blow it)

[DrakeMaiden]

But see Pat, you do it the opposite because you create the shade, whereas farmerlor and I are just lazy and use available shade. So while you can plant and then remove shade, we have to get them adjusted to a sunnier spot before we can plant.

As for a small temporary greenhouse, I have seen people suspend plastic around their front stoops as a temporary greenhouse. I also saw a guy who built little wooden box frames and covered them with plastic as mini greenhouses. Cool concept and easy to do!

If your greenhouse is large enough, you don't have to worry so much about sudden changes of temperature. Something to think about for those considering building one.

 

[vfem]

Here's a trick I use on days its not cloudy.... I have a clear glass table set. I put the trays under the textured glass table. Chairs work good too.

 

[wifezilla]

How does this sound...

Place seedlings in a cardboard box with some pine shavings around the jiffy pots (I have ducks...plenty of that on hand ). Cover it with old cheesecloth or old lace curtains (got that too). Place boxes against the house near the garden bed (will still get a little heat at night from the foundation). After a couple of days, remove curtain. After a few more days, take out of box. Then plant?

 

[me&thegals]

Apparently there are mulitple ways to effectively harden off plants--so it shouldn't bee too intimidating

I stick mine in shade a few hours the first day, then longer the next day or 2, then in filtered or morning sunlight a day or 2, then full sun and wind another day or 2, then plant. Watering is crucial! They dry out so fast outside. I soak them with a watering can as soon as I get them outside and right before I bring them back inside. Good luck!

me&thegals

 

[DrakeMaiden]

I've also heard not to water if you are going to leave them out on a cold night . . . wait until morning to water.

Wifezilla -- that sounds great . . . the wood shavings will help insulate the pots too. Just watch out for frosts if you have tender plants. Good luck!

 

[wifezilla]

We still have frost danger until May, but I have some cold hardy plants I want to try this with. I can always cover anything in danger with plastic (I have been good about that after losing a whole bunch of peppers to a random late frost years ago).

Our night time temps are supposed to be above freezing for the next 10 days. I may try the box trick this weekend. I have mustard and garlic chives that are getting pretty big.