Bring Plants Inside for Winter to Keep Them Healthy All Year
As winter approaches, many people begin to worry about their plants. Will they make it through the cold weather? Which kind of plants can be salvaged and make it until next spring? Does anything have to be done to these plants to ensure their survival? The answer is yes, many of your plants do have the ability to live through the winter, but there are a few things you need to do in order to help them survive.
Get Started Before the Weather Drops Too Low
As soon as the temperatures start to dip, start bringing plants inside. You don’t want to wait until it’s too cold out, as this can damage or kill your plants. If you’re not sure when the first frost is in your area, check the Farmer’s Almanac or ask your local nursery. Once you have an idea of when the cold weather is coming, try to take action early. If you have any plants that are particularly delicate to weather, such as succulents or cacti, you may want to bring them inside sooner than others.
Inspect for Pests and Disease
When you bring your plants inside, inspect them carefully for any signs of pests or disease. These problems can be brought into your home and spread to other plants, so it’s important to take action right away if you see anything wrong. Look for bugs, black spots, wilting leaves, or any other unusual symptoms. If you find anything, you may want to quarantine the plant from your other plants, just to be safe.
Be Careful of Overwatering
One of the most common problems people have with their indoor plants is overwatering them. When the weather is cold and dry, plants don’t need as much water as they do in the spring and summer. Water your plants when the soil is dry to the touch, and be careful not to overdo it. This can lead to problems like root rot, which can kill your plant.
Slowly Acclimate Plants to Their New Environment
When you bring your plants inside, they’ll need time to adjust to the new environment. This process is called acclimation, and it’s important to do it slowly to avoid shocking your plant. If possible, start early enough that you can bring your plants indoors at night, but still give them some outdoor time during the day. When you move them in, try to put them in a spot that gets a similar amount of sun as their normal place outside. Over time, you can slowly move them to the spot they will live over winter. You may also want to mist your plant with water every few days to help it adjust to the drier indoor air.
Watch for Signs of Distress
Once you’ve brought your plants inside, it’s important to keep an eye on them for any signs of distress. These can include wilting leaves, black spots, bugs, or any other unusual symptoms. Be sure to check your plants regularly and bring them back outside in the spring as soon as the weather warms up.
Bring Your Plants Inside for Winter to Keep Them Healthy and Growing
Bringing plants inside for the winter is a great way to keep them alive until spring. If you enjoyed having your plants inside, consider starting an indoor garden next year. By potting your plant with high-quality soil and taking proper care of it throughout winter, you can ensure that your plant will survive the cold weather and thrive through any season.