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The annuals you have purchased have been thriving in the warmth and shelter of our greenhouses and aren’t quite ready for the chilly outdoor conditions just yet!

To help them transition successfully, it's important to "harden them off" — a simple process that encourages strong growth and reduces transplant shock.

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Here's how to harden off your annuals:

• Place them outside during the day in a sunny but sheltered spot (out of strong winds).
• Be sure to keep the soil moist — don’t let them dry out!
• Bring them indoors at night until the temperatures are consistently above 8°C.
• Continue this routine for 5 to 10 days, depending on the weather.

Once they’re planted outdoors, keep an eye on the forecast. If frost is expected, protect your plants by covering them with blankets or landscape fabric.

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FYI’s

• Avoid using plastic, as it can trap moisture and cause damage.
• New Guinea Impatiens should not be planted outside until night temperatures are about 15°C.

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"When can I plant my annuals?!" Once our bedding plants start to arrive, we often get questions like this, so we've compiled a list of some of our most popular annuals into a handy temperature guide! The temperatures listed are the minimum nightly requirement before it's safe to plant! Keep in mind that we aren't free from a danger of frost usually until the May long weekend, which is traditionally when you can start planting —  make sure you're following these night-time low temperature guidelines.

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Spring has sprung! Congratulations on your new perennial purchase. Here are a few tips to keep your perennials healthy until planting time.

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Until Planting Time‍

• Place your potted perennials in a bright, sunny window.
• Water sparingly — allow the top 2 inches of soil to dry out before watering again.
• Pinch back new growth occasionally to encourage fuller, bushier plants.

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Don’t Forget to Harden Off!‍

• Starting in the second week of May (weather permitting), begin the hardening-off process by:
• Placing your plants outside during the day in a sheltered, sunny spot.
• Bringing them back indoors at night.
• Continue this for at least one week to help them adjust to outdoor conditions.

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When to Plant‍

Perennials can be safely planted once the risk of frost has passed, typically around the fourth week of May.

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After Planting

Keep an eye on the weather forecast! If frost is expected, protect your tender plants by covering them with blankets or landscape fabric — never plastic, as it can damage the foliage.