Forum home› Fruit & veg

Courgette leaves wilting when hardening off

jo.milesjo.miles Posts: 10
in Fruit & veg
Hi all. I’m very new to gardening so go easy on me! I have grown 5 courgette seedling in a greenhouse which are now ready to be planted outside (I may have left them too long as the are fairly big now - 4/5 leaves each). I started the hardening off process today, they have been in the sun for about an hour and the leaves have started wilting. Granted it is a very hot day - is this because of the direct sunlight? Shall I put them back in the greenhouse and leave for the rest of the day? If anyone has any tips on the rest of the hardening/planting process they would be very much appreciated! 

Posts

  • tui34tui34 Posts: 2,845
    I gather they have bee watered.  I think they are fine - I would wilt too under the hot sun!  If you are worried, move them to a shady spot (but still outside).
    A good hoeing is worth two waterings.

  • jo.milesjo.miles Posts: 10
    They have yes, again - not sure if I’m doing that enough/too much! I have been giving them a good water in the evening as the days have been so hot I’d rather they get a good drink overnight, then again in the morning if they look like they need it. Does that sound about right or too much/little? So you think leave them out for the whole day, for about a week before planting? Thank you for your reply! 
  • tui34tui34 Posts: 2,845
    I harden my plants off by taking them outside for 7 days and bringing them in at night, then 3 days all day and all night.  Could be too much water - the potting mix/soil should be moist all the time - not too saturated.  A drink in the evening is what we should all expect!!
    A good hoeing is worth two waterings.

Sign In or Register to comment.