If you're a lucky Mom admiring a potted azalea, hydrangea or other flowering plant, enjoy these beauties on a covered porch for a while before planting them outside.
Often these plants have been forced into early bloom in warm greenhouses. Unless you're sure your plant lived in outside conditions before it came to live with you, give it a chance to adjust to unfiltered sun and outside weather.
A week on a covered porch or other protected spot receiving bright light, but not direct sunlight, is usually enough to harden-off spring plant purchases as long as you also water them when the top inch of soil is dry.
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As your plant acclimates find it the optimal new home—one that fits the space, light and other conditions listed on the plant label. No label? Head to the experts at your local garden center to ask their planting advice.
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