Hardening off seedlings

[Marlingardener]

My tomato and basil starts are ready to move outside for hardening off, and a neighbor told me I was being overly cautious. I set them outside in the shade and out of strong winds the first two days; then the next two they are in morning sun, afternoon shade; then two days in full sun exposed to the elements, then two days sitting where they will be planted to get them used to our Texas "breezes" if they aren't toughened already. That makes a total of 8 days hardening off. My neighbor contends that three days is sufficient.
I admit to being a very "protective mama", but am I being overly cautious?

[alaskagold]

I don't think so. But right at the moment there is 70 mph gusts around my house.

Over doing it can mean a better season in the long run.

[Kisal]

I follow the same hardening off schedule as you do, Marlingardener. I've tried to shorten the time period, and some times it works, but equally often, it doesn't. I've lost many flats of seedlings by letting myself get in too big of a hurry.

[rainbowgardener]

Agree with Kisal! I am very good at growing beautiful little plants from seeds. The hardest part for me is to be patient enough, waiting for it to get warm enough, and giving them enough hardening off. The only time I ever really lose plants is in the hardening off process. I think you are doing it exactly right.