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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