In growing a vegetable crop one either sow the seeds directly in the field, or in the nursery, or in the seed-boxes. From the nursery or seed-boxes the seedlings are transplanted into the field. But before transplanting. Two processes are required; Pricking out and hardening off:
Pricking out is the process of thing seedlings by transplanting them into seed-box or nursery to give them more space before final planting in the field.
Hardening off is a treatment that makes plant tissues tough and firm before transplanting so that the young plants can withstand the shock of transplanting better. This is done by exposing the seedlings to less favorable conditions which will check rapid growth. The best and most practical method is by direct exposure to sunlight and gradual reduction in watering, both in amount and frequency .