Hardening Off, anyone?

[ginger]

Right, so I understand the purpose of hardening off (get the plants who are spoiled by easy sheltered-living used to the great outdoors over a period of a week or two), but I'm a scientist by trade, and wouldn't mind knowing a bit more about the physiological changes going on in the plants.

Anyone?

I've tried googling, but find either variations of the above description, or invitations to buy books and journals on the subject, and no actual details.

Anything would be greatly appreciated!

THANKS!

[DavidT]

Surely as a scientist you should be actually studying plants which are being hardened off so you can tell US what happens? We harden plants off to acclimatise them to outdoor living. I doubt if there are many gardeners who know what physiological changes take place. I don`t, and I`ve only been gardening for about 40 years.

[ginger]

But I'm not a plant scientist

*buys microscope and hypothesises*

[Lesley Jay]

I knew it was something to do with the plants soft tissue but this explains it:-

The hardening off process of plants will accumulate carbohydrates and cell walls will thicken, thus changing soft, succulent growth to firmer, harder tissue. - 'Don Janssen, UNL.'

[airconednightmare]

as above, it has something to do with the cell walls becoming stronger/more resistant to changes in temp etc.

removing certain elements from your feed schedule will drastically effect the process. N, Ca, B & K are particularly important - lack of these will result in weak, easily damaged plants.

[ginger]

Thanks Lesley and ACNM - that makes perfect sense.

*is enlightened*

[DavidT]

I`ve decided to take up stamp collecting instead.

[airconednightmare]

lmao, nothing wrong with wanting to know why and how something works...human nature why do you think we first started framing instead of gathering

[DavidT]

Originally Posted by airconednightmare

lmao, nothing wrong with wanting to know why and how something works...human nature why do you think we first started framing instead of gathering

Framing what, or who?

[ginger]

Originally Posted by DavidT

I`ve decided to take up stamp collecting instead.

Philately will get you everywhere.





*is ashamed at self for appalling pun*

[ginger]

Can you leave it too late for hardening off?

Some of my toms are really tall, and I tried them outside for a wee spell and all the lower side shoots have demonstrated their displeasure by dying off.

Will waiting until it's a bit warmer fill them with happiness, or should I just sack this lot off and start again?