Tip of the Week!

  Bring Those Houseplants Inside

• For all of you that took your houseplants outside and enjoyed them all Summer, it is now time to bring them back inside.  Once again your plants will need some individual care.  A well-planned operation can insure many more years of enjoyment.
• Your plants will naturally adjust to shortened days, but it is a good idea to place them in a shady location fro a few days or up to a week before bringing them inside.
• Check plants for obvious signs of stowaways.  Earwigs, pillbugs, and and other unwanted critters.  Pull plants out of the container if possible to examine.  Soak roots in a weak insecticidal soap solution for 2 hours.
• Carefully inspect leaves and stems for mites, aphids, mealybugs and other small insects.  A soap solution may also be sprayed on the leafy part of the plant.
• Clean up the outside of the pot to remove dirt and stains. If your plant has responded to the outdoor temperatures with a lot of new growth, you may want to repot into a slightly larger container.
• Bring them  indoors when temperatures dip below 55 degrees
• Adjust watering practices. Do not overwater for a brief period after moving.
• Watch for signs of your plant getting too much or too little light, (yellowing leaves).
• Good leaf color and new growth are signs your plants will winter indoors and be ready to be placed outside again next summer.