Hardening off seedlings with a full time job

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rwaterspf1 Durham, NC(Zone 7b) Mar 28, 2012

I work from 7am to 5pm and my tomatoes and peppers are getting too big to be under the lights. I have been setting them out the last 3 days at 5pm on the deck (it gets partial shade at that time of day) and bringing them in about 7:30pm. Should I keep doing this and them set them out in the mornings until about lunch on the weekends too? How long should I do this before I can leave them out full time?

Thanks,

Vaughn

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yardener Greenfield, OH(Zone 6a) Mar 29, 2012

Is there anyway to get them direct light? If so, put them out so they get direct sunlight for about an hour for a few days and slowly increase exposure time.
If not, you may be able to leave them outside all day, depending on the temperature.
I've had mine out for 2 weeks in a cold frame. They survived a freeze last Tuesday morning.

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tarheel2az Tonto Basin, AZ Mar 29, 2012

I just put mine out next to the house on the north and leave them unless there's a chance of frost.

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behillman Plantersville, TX(Zone 9a) Mar 29, 2012

I keep mine out on the patio under the trees for a couple of weeks. I then plant them out, but be sure to wait for a cloudy day, or early in the morning. Cover with flower pots if there is any hot sun. and be sure to water a lot.

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HoneybeeNC Charlotte, NC(Zone 7b) Mar 29, 2012

rwaterspf1 - I'm in the same zone as you.

I have had seedlings outside hardening off for about two weeks. I bring them in at night if the weather forcast says it will be below 50F. The seedlings are in my porch sitting on top of the gas grill where they get morning and late afternoon sun.

Keep the seedlings well watered, but not soggy.

I'll be setting these seedlings into the garden next week if there is no frost forcast.

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Gymgirl SE Houston (Hobby), TX(Zone 9a) Mar 29, 2012

I put mine out under the patio cover, close to the edges with some dappled sunlight. Then I move them out into a brighter area of the yard on the weekend so I can monitor if they're drooping from too much sun...

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KathyWid Clover, SC Mar 29, 2012

You can also try a pop-up greenhouse!
http://www.tomatodirt.com/pop-up-greenhouse.html

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