Moving plants from greenhouse

Wilderbeast

Hi all my greenhouse is over flowing and I'm pretty desperate to make room. It's totally unheated so do I still need to harden of plants or can they be shifted to a sheltered corner 

Fairygirl

They'd still need acclimatising. 

Wilderbeast

Thanks Fairygirl. how long a period ? would a week going in and out during the day be enough

Fairygirl

Depends what they are, and how big @Wilderbeast. 

I'd guess that, like here, winter hasn't finished with you yet, so I'd be a bit wary of doing it too quickly. They're vulnerable to rough weather, and pests etc too.
I'd choose quite carefully the days you put them out, and not leave them too long either. It's impossible to be more accurate than that. On a benign, good day, leave them out longer.
Once they're hardened up a bit more, they'll cope fine, but it can take a few weeks at this time of year. They probably won't do anything for a while though, until the weather becomes more suitable. 

Allotment Boy

This is where a cold frame, if you have space for one,  is a real asset you can lift/remove the top on good days but close at night or bad days. The usual recommendation is at least 2 weeks to harden off plants,but as Fairygirl says there are several variables in there that will dictate shorter or longer periods.

Fairygirl

I have one of those small greenhouses. The top section is basically a cold frame. I sowed sweet peas in autumn, and I have a few other little bits and pieces, although seed sowing here is largely done in April. The lid is open almost all the time, so that everything grows slowly enough too.

I only close it completely when it's wild - just in case it rips the lids off. I might attach some cord so that it can only go so far - just in case. 

Wilderbeast

Hi Allotment boy and fairygirl you've inspired me, I dug out some old polycarbonate ( removed from a pub rain shelter rebuild job) and some scaffolding boards and hey presto I have a cold frame. Plants will be happy and I can carry on pricking out and potting on.