What is 'hardening off' in the context of nursery plants?

Hardening off refers to the process of gradually acclimating nursery plants to outdoor conditions. This is essential for young plants that have been grown indoors or in a controlled environment, as they may not be ready to immediately face the fluctuations of temperature, light intensity, and wind that occur outside.

During the hardening off process, plants are exposed to outdoor conditions incrementally. This typically involves placing the plants outside for short periods of time and then gradually increasing the duration over a week or two. This helps the plants strengthen their tissues, develop a protective response to stressors, and reduce the likelihood of transplant shock when they are eventually moved to their permanent outdoor locations.

The other options do not accurately describe the process. Instant acclimatization to cold could lead to damage or death of the plant, as they would not be prepared for the rapid change. Removing dead leaves is beneficial for plant health but not related to the acclimatization process. Finally, planting in prepared soil is a separate gardening practice and does not address the need for acclimatization to environmental conditions.