Best way to harden off your pepper plants

Lots of people ask us: What is the best way to harden off my pepper plants prior to planting them outside in pots or in the earth?

So we put together this handy little guide on how we prepare our plants for being outdoors.

Prior to starting: Make sure your plants are ready, they should have at least a few set of true leaves and are not freshly germinated. We like to have the plants that have a few sets of leaves on them before they go out. It also helps to give them all a light drink of water before they go out. If you happen to have a fan you can lightly run the fan pointed at the plants a few days before going out. You can also increase the light intensity if you have the option to do so a week prior.

Outdoor conditions: The plants are going to want a shady spot for the first time outside, this can be accomplished by placing them near a house or under something that can produce ample shade. 30-50% Shade cloth can be used as well but its not required. 

Overcast weather on the first day is ideal, without much wind. Try not to worry too much about conditions as long as its not full sun or heavy rain.

Ok, lets get to it!

Day 1: This will be the shortest day for them being outside, even if you have a shaded spot and its overcast I would keep an eye on them and not leave them out for any more than 4 hours maximum. Dont water them unless the pots feel light, they should have been watered in the prior to starting section above. While 4 hours may not seem like much remember these plants have never seen the sun or been in the wind. We usually check on them after 2 hours. Keep the plants indoors if the temperature falls below 10c or in a garage if below 5c. 

Pepper plants that have their first set of true leaves in Canna Root Plugs.

Day 2: Assuming the same conditions feel the weight of the pot and see how the plants look. If they look sad and dont need water then keep them in today. I they look good then water them lightly again and place them outside in the same space for 4-6 hours. Keep the plants indoors if the temperature falls below 10c or in a garage if below 5c. 

Days 3-5: Slowly increase how much daily light they get. Remember the plants will lose moisture faster in the wind and sun, and burn quickly if in full sun. The goal is to introduce them slowly. Keep the plants indoors if the temperature falls below 10c or in a garage if below 5c. Be mindful of frost if you intend to keep them out over night. We never store plants outside overnight until they go into the ground.

Days 5+ The plants should be more or less acclimated to the sun. Keep a eye on them and remember the sun will heat the sides of the pots evaporating moisture unlike inside. So keep them watered lightly as needed. Your plants are now ready to live outside after the threat of frost.