Hardening off plants

[autumn leaf]

I am desperate to plant out my sweet peas.  They are about 4 inches now, grown in tubes.  How long do I have to harden them off before planting out?  They've been out of the greenhouse over the last two weekends but I can't risk putting them out during the week as I work full time and can't be sure that the weather will be kind all day.  I also have several sunflower plants in 3inch pots. Can anyone tell me at what stage they should be planted out or should I pot them on?  Can't believe I don't know this stuff - I've had a garden for years but haven't grown much from seed until now.  Would be glad for some advice if anyone has a mo. :-\

[autumn leaf]

[kenkew]

Put 'em out during the day, every day. Both will stand a far amount of cold. Mine have been in the garden for the last week. Play safe, next week plant out half of what you have, if you have fleece, use it. Don't forget that you can sow seed of both direct, and now is the time to do it.

[Mrs Ava]

My sweetpeas were hardened off about 2 weeks ago here in sunny Essex, and planted out about a week ago.  Sunflowers are still in my cold greenhouse but will be kicked out as soon as I need the room!

[Carol]

I wish I could start hardening off our plants but still too cold in S.Scotland to do this.  Normally our plants do not get planted until 1st week in June to avoid the Frosts.  We are 2 to 3 weeks behind those in S.England.

[autumn leaf]

Thanks to Kenkew and Emma Jane for replies.  My sweetpeas have enjoyed the sunshine this weekend (and so have I!).   I will be brave and turn them out this week before setting off to work.  I will also pop in some seeds kenkew and see what happens - surely something will come good.  Hope you all had a great weekend, it was a real taste of summer days to come.  Have a good week everyone.

[kenkew]

Nick and soak your S'peas before you plant 'em. Gives them a head start.

[Mrs Ava]

Dyathink it does Ken?  I used to, but now don't bother, and they come through just as quick in my opinion.