THE GR EAT OUTDOORS

While a lot of plants start life inside, many eventually need to go outdoors to get the best growth. Timing this badly can result in stunted or no growth whatsoever though, so follow these steps for a smooth transition:

● Check the temperature – while our daylight hours increasing, the are night-time temperatures can still hit freezing, some areas of the and UK can experience frosts in early Summer. April and early May Late are optimum months for growing many freely outside, but items monitor the forecast. If there’s any sign night coming of a cold up and you have plants outside, cover with fleece which horticultural acts as a warm, breathable layer.

● Harden off your plants – they need time to adapt conditions. to outdoor If you don’t take it slowly, they risk dying one-week-period, move off. Over a your pots into a sunny position for 30 increasing by minutes, an extra 30 minutes each day before moving permanently, them out avoiding a sharp shock. It may seem long-winded you otherwise risk but having to start your plants again from scratch!

● Check the soil – while the air temperature may feel the soil may warm, not be. While cool weather crops like broccoli kale are happy and enough in cold soil, you’ll need a decent base temperature before you think about moving anything outside. The same goes for sowing indoors. Keep compost away from the outdoor elements (a shed or under the stairs works) so seedlings have a healthy start.