OK, everyone who is anxious to get their seedlings into the ground, raise their hands! I always want to PLANT, PLANT, but I know from sad experience I need to harden off my seedlings. Before planting I follow this schedule (and it's probably overly cautious, but there's a lot of emotion invested in those baby plants!): First two days: seedlings in shade, sheltered from wind and brought into barn at night. Second two days: seedlings in morning sun, afternoon shade, and wind-protected. Spend the night in the barn. Third two days: Full sun, exposed to wind (if not severe), and stay out all night. Fourth two days: pots/flats are set where they will be growing to acclimate to sun and wind exposure. The reason for putting them in the barn at night is to get them used to nighttime temps, without worrying about sudden rain storms or high winds. If you don't have a barn, just set the seedlings in any unheated structure. I haven't really decided if "hardening off" refers to acclimating the plants, or teaching the gardener patience!
Jane... you must have been reading my mind! (Yes I know... scary thought!) I've got plants that are ready to start making their way outdoors and I didn't know how long and where I should start them. But now I know! Thanks!
