My First Attempt with Seeds on Paper?

MissS · November 1, 2017

Ron, what you are doing is NOT the hardening off process. What you are doing is a "cold treatment". Most of us give our seedlings the cold treatment by starting our seeds 6-12 weeks before our last frost date. This is done by taking advantage of the cool temperatures that nature provides and growing our seedlings either outside during the day or sometimes in a garage where it is cool but not freezing. Your 10 degrees Celsius is the equivalent of 50 degrees Fahrenheit which is within the desired range. If done after the first set of true leaves, this will promote strong compact seedlings.

Hardening off is the process of acclimating the plants from growing under lights in a protected environment to living under direct sunlight outdoors. The plants are exposed to direct sunlight and wind gradually so that they will not burn.

I am of the opinion that the seedlings should have artificial light for 16 hours a day. Whether or not this is the ideal amount, I do not know, but it is what I provide for my plants and it works for me. I will note that I am concerned about you using a capillary mat again and especially in a closed environment. I am not at all sure that this will work with the lid being on all of the time.

November 1, 2017	#19
MissS Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Pewaukee, Wisconsin Posts: 3,146	Ron, what you are doing is NOT the hardening off process. What you are doing is a "cold treatment". Most of us give our seedlings the cold treatment by starting our seeds 6-12 weeks before our last frost date. This is done by taking advantage of the cool temperatures that nature provides and growing our seedlings either outside during the day or sometimes in a garage where it is cool but not freezing. Your 10 degrees Celsius is the equivalent of 50 degrees Fahrenheit which is within the desired range. If done after the first set of true leaves, this will promote strong compact seedlings. Hardening off is the process of acclimating the plants from growing under lights in a protected environment to living under direct sunlight outdoors. The plants are exposed to direct sunlight and wind gradually so that they will not burn. I am of the opinion that the seedlings should have artificial light for 16 hours a day. Whether or not this is the ideal amount, I do not know, but it is what I provide for my plants and it works for me. I will note that I am concerned about you using a capillary mat again and especially in a closed environment. I am not at all sure that this will work with the lid being on all of the time. __________________ ~ Patti ~