Preparing Nursery Stock for Winter – Information About Hardening Off
Before nursery stock is ready to withstand a Maryland winter, it goes through a process called hardening off — and understanding it helps contractors know what they’re getting when they source fall and late-season material.
What Hardening Off Actually Means
Hardening off is the natural process by which plants prepare for dormancy:
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- Growth slows as temperatures drop and daylight shortens
- Cell structure changes to improve cold tolerance
- Water content in tissue decreases to reduce freeze damage risk
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For contractors working throughout Maryland and the surrounding region, deer pressure is one of the most common client complaints — and one of the most preventable with the right plants. Fall installs are a good opportunity to get deer-resistant plantings established before browsing pressure increases in winter.
The demand for native plants has surged — and it’s not slowing down. Municipal projects, commercial landscapes, and even homeowners are requesting regionally appropriate species that support pollinators, reduce maintenance, and meet environmental regulations.
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