Winter is Coming

We all hesitate around this time of year about what to do with our gorgeous outdoor plants. After all the hard work and care we put into them over the summer, it seems like such a waste to just throw them away or to leave them and hope for a mild winter. But, it is also always risky to bring them indoors - the plants may be infested with bugs or a fungus; they may even experience shock from the change in environment.

We are here to provide you with the best advice on how to bring your outdoor living in for the dreary winter weather that is bound to come! The following tips will help you get started:

  • Typically, the best time to move your plants indoors is when the temperatures are consistently dipping below 60ºF.
  • Plants get stressed out - if it has been struggling to stay alive outdoors, there is a good chance it may also struggle indoors.
  • In case your plants have grown significantly over the summer, repotting is best done in advance of the move indoors.
  • Check the pots before you bring them in. Look for mold, moss, mealy bugs, spider mites, snails or ants.
  • Bleach is very effective for cleaning the pots. Using a solution of 10% bleach and 90% water, scrub the exterior of the pot then be sure to hose off the solution. (This is also a good solution to use to clean a pot before you repot in it as well!)
  • If you're concerned about potential bugs inside the soil itself, soak the pot in lukewarm water for about 15 minutes. Depending on what, if anything, comes out, you may want to consider repotting those plants!
  • A few days before the move, spray the foliage with an insecticidal soap. Give us a call to find out what is available! These are safe to use around children and pets.
  • Not sure of the best indoor location for your plants based on its particular light requirements? Send us a picture so we can identify it and we'll try to help you find a suitable spot for it!
  • Keep any plants you bring indoors away from drafty areas - heating vents, opening and closing doors - plants don't like the sudden change in environmental conditions, and some may die in just a few seconds of exposure to the elements.
  • As always, don't overwater and be sure to fertilize!

Don't hesitate to call us with more questions, or to ask about instructions for a specific plant you may have! We are here to help!