Hardening Off Seedlings

The stiff branches and foliage of evergreens can provide protection in the event of a hard downpour of rain, a bit of hail, hot burning sunlight and gusts of wind. Our stormy weather and springtime winds generally advance from the west, so I usually settle my containers of sun-lovers on the southeast sides of my evergreen trees, just under the lower boughs.



Shade-lovers and newly up-potted plants are positioned on the north side of the tree in this image, with several additional wind-blocking shrubs to the west. The fence and slight hill to the south also help to control hot, dry and potentially damaging winds.



When you can be home for a few hours, be sure to pull your containers of sun-lovers out a few feet into the open, and check them often for dryness.