Check your last frost dates before starting to harden off your plants. Some vegetables like onions and spinach can be planted out before your last frost date. While others like tomatoes need to wait until after your last frost date.

Select a good place for your seedlings. You’ll want a place that is shaded and has some protection from the wind too. Under a tree, a covered porch, or in the shadow of your home can all work.

On the first day place your plants outside for 30 to 60 minutes. Then bring them back indoors.

Lengthen the time you are hardening off each day. Leave your seedlings outside for an extra 30 to 60 minutes depending on the weather. Gradually move them into a full sun area.

Protect your seedlings from bad weather. If the temperatures drop or you are expecting a storm bring the seedlings back inside or cover with a row cover.

Let them stay outside at night. After 7 days of hardening off during the day, you can start leaving the seedlings outside at night a little later each evening. Until they are handling the change well and can stay outside all night.

Water the plants as needed. The small seed trays can dry out quickly in the sun. Make sure to keep them moist and water if you see the seedlings wilting.

Once your plants have been hardened off and the weather is good, pick an overcast day to plant the seedlings.

Dig a hole as deep as the plants' root ball, fill it with water or liquid fertilizer and place the plant inside.

Pack the soil down around the plant and gently firm it down.