Green-thumbed enthusiasts, pay attention! Brian Brigantti, the horticultural expert from Redleaf Ranch, has an important tip that could save your seedlings from sunburn.
Recently, the gardening community on TikTok has been buzzing with Brian’s advice on a common mistake many novice gardeners make: failing to acclimate indoor-grown seedlings to the harsher outdoor environment before transplanting them.
In a widely viewed TikTok video from the Redleaf Ranch channel, Brian shared a mistake he once made, warning new gardeners: “Do not make this mistake if you’re gardening for the first time. If you started seedlings early indoors, make sure you harden them up before transplanting them in the garden.”
He explained that “hardening” means gradually getting your seedlings used to outdoor conditions before planting them. When seedlings are started indoors, they are accustomed to specific indoor conditions. They have not experienced sunlight or strong winds, which makes them delicate. If you transplant them directly into the garden, you may find them scorched the next day.
To avoid this gardening mishap, Brigantti suggests that gardeners take their sheltered seedlings outside and place them in the shade for a few hours. After that, bring them back indoors. Gradually increase their outdoor exposure over the course of a week until they can handle a full day in the shade. By following this advice, you can help ensure the health of your seedlings as they transition to outdoor life.