HARDEN OFF TENDER PLANTS

IT’S too early to plant frost-tender seedlings and non hardy plants outside.

Frost is still possible until late May — or June in cold regions. Tender plants fresh from a greenhouse must be toughened up for an outdoor life.

The easiest way is to place your plants somewhere outside which is well-lit, but sheltered. Cover them at night when low temperatures are forecast. If you keep them in shallow boxes or trays, those are easy to cover with horticultural fleece, pictured, if necessary.