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Ct

Do you have to harden off th eplants if using a cold frame?

My two seedlings sprouted on 5/1 and I transplanted them to gallon pots. They are growing well inside under the grow light. First leafs are out and are the size of a silver dollar. I have not had the plants outside yet.

The cold frame has been in place with heating coils for 10 days now.I live in CT and the days are getting better.
Do I still need to put the plants out for a day or two?

Thanks

PG

5/6/2011 4:28:32 PM

Pataskala,OH

Yeah otherwise they can get sunburn.

5/6/2011 5:15:47 PM

Upa Creek, Mo

Not for day or two, but for a few hours each day for of couple days is what I was told.

5/6/2011 5:57:41 PM

Lloydminster/AB

My cold frames have warmer and brighter conditions than in my house so I plant directly. I try to transplant as soon as I can tell which direction the first leaf faces. Has always worked good.

5/6/2011 8:55:29 PM

Muddy Waters

I put seedlings in at 2 cot stage,there fine,with ground cables I found I need to water more,due to evaporation.

5/6/2011 9:25:59 PM

Owensboro, Ky.

PG,IMHO, as soon as possible into a the direct sun...a little more each day, and when in cold frames, caution must be taken!!! An enclosed cold frame, w/ direct sunlight on it will get WAY HOT, early in the am!!! Ventilation, and possibly some shading might be needed!!! Hope this helps, Peace, Wayne

5/7/2011 3:22:33 AM

Owensboro, Ky.

BTW, on the melon growin board...read recently that a remay cover, instead of plastic, might help w/ both ends of the spectrum...warmer at night, and airflow during the day/yet provides a lil shade??? Any other ideas? Peace, Wayne

5/7/2011 3:25:28 AM

Ct

Guys thanks for the help Plants are in the hoop house and growing nicely
PG

5/11/2011 9:39:10 PM

Owensboro, Ky.

Sweet!!!!! Peace, Wayne

5/11/2011 11:36:58 PM

Garden State Pumpkins

If the seed pops..and the weather is favorable...before the shell comes off..I put it outside....it hardens off and is ready to go...otherwise a couple of days with early sun and then late sun...usually put a chair over it so the 10-2 sun doesn't hit it...then let it go..GrowEmBig! Chuck

5/14/2011 12:28:05 AM