Hemming Family Farm

Fall is the best time to plant trees and shrubs here in Nova Scotia...the cool air and warm soil promote strong root growth before winter sets in, reducing stress and the need for water. This establishment period allows trees to focus energy on root development rather than leaf and fruit production, resulting in a healthier tree better equipped to handle the following summer's heat and drought.

Now is the time to start hardening off your seedlings 🌱 😀 😎

Hardening off plants is the process of gradually acclimating indoor-grown or greenhouse-started plants to outdoor conditions. This transition helps prevent transplant shock from sudden exposure to sunlight, wind, and varying temperatures.
Here's how to do it step-by-step:
• Start Slowly (Days 1–2):
• Place plants outside in a sheltered, shady spot for 1–2 hours.
• Avoid direct sunlight and strong winds.
• Increase Exposure (Days 3–7):
• Gradually increase the time outdoors by 1–2 hours each day.
• Slowly introduce them to morning sun, then late afternoon sun.
• Full Daylight (Days 8–10):
• Begin leaving them in full sun for longer periods.
• Bring them inside or cover them if frost is expected.
• Overnight Stays (Final Days):
• After about a week to ten days, leave them out overnight if temperatures are mild (above 50°F / 10°C).
• Transplanting:
• Once fully hardened off, plants can be safely transplanted into garden beds or containers.

Getting our Christmas cactus babies started for next year 😁