Afgeharden

Afgeharden is a Dutch term that literally translates to "hardened off" or "tempered." In gardening, it refers to the process of gradually acclimatizing young plants, typically seedlings or transplants, to outdoor conditions before they are permanently planted in their final location. This is crucial because seedlings grown indoors or in a greenhouse are often accustomed to a more sheltered environment with consistent temperatures and protection from wind, direct sun, and fluctuations in moisture.

Without proper hardening off, plants can experience transplant shock, which can manifest as wilting, yellowing leaves, stunted growth, or even death. The process involves exposing the plants to increasing amounts of outdoor exposure over a period of several days to a week or two. Initially, plants are placed in a sheltered spot outdoors, such as a porch or under a larger shrub, for a few hours each day. Gradually, they are exposed to more direct sunlight and longer periods outdoors, eventually spending nights outside if temperatures permit.

The goal of hardening off is to toughen up the plant's tissues, making them more resilient to the stresses of the outdoor environment. This includes developing thicker cell walls, increasing cuticle thickness on leaves, and encouraging a more robust root system. Different plants may require varying degrees of hardening off depending on their specific needs and the typical climate of the region. For instance, tender annuals generally require more careful attention than hardier perennials.