Another analogy is the difference between plunging yourself into cold water or easing yourself gently into it.
Thereby, you aren’t given a cold shock, but still become accustomed to the temperature of the outside air. The RHS defines “hardening off” as the process by which ‘plants raised indoors or in a greenhouse need to be acclimatised to cooler temperatures… for about two to three weeks before they are planted outdoors.’ It is frequently described as ‘toughening up’ – the easiest way in which a gardener can relate is through the comparison to layering! Instead of going out in just a t-shirt on the first day of spring, begin with a jumper and a coat also, and then shed these layers as you warm up. They do say it is more likely to snow at Easter than Christmas, and you certainly wouldn’t be leaving young cosmos seedlings outside over the festive period! Much of the UK has been carpeted in thick white snow in the former half of this month, diminishing all hope of being able to start gardening for longer periods in fewer layers! Therefore, it is important to be mindful of conditions this month, moving all your young seedlings outdoors on the first sunny day of the year is optimistic, but March is deceptive – many a gardener has been caught out by unexpected frosts and late snowfalls. The most hopeful gardener would believe that March was the end of the winter, and the start of spring to come – the first of March almost epitomising the true beginning of the gardening year. Monthly Gardening Subscription Expand submenu.
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