Tips For Bringing Plants in For the Winter

There are many different ways to bring your plants indoors for the winter. Repotting, pruning, and removing pests are just a few of the things you can do to get your plants ready for the chill of winter.

Preventing chilling injury and death

Preventing chilling injury and death when bringing plants inside for the winter can be a challenge. Luckily, a number of companies have popped up in recent years dedicated to providing the latest and greatest plant care products. With so many choices available, it is important to know what to look for and what to avoid in order to keep your prized possessions healthy and happy for the long haul. In short, a bit of education and some knowledge of the trade will ensure you are armed with the right information to make a well informed decision. A good place to start is by checking out your local Extension office. They have all sorts of interesting and educational information to share with you. Taking the time to ask your friendly neighborhood botanist about the best plants for your area will help you decide what to buy, and which to avoid. If you haven’t tried a houseplant or two yet, now is the time to get started.

Repotting

If you’re a plant lover, you probably know that it’s important to repot your plants for the winter. Plants need to have the proper soil for growth. A pot with a lot of space will provide more room for the roots to grow, allowing your plants to flourish. Choosing the right container is also key. You want a container that will complement the size, shape, and texture of your plant’s leaves.

A good potting mix will help ensure that your plant receives the nutrients it needs. Potted plants with stale soil don’t absorb the same amount of nutrients as a plant in a fresh pot. This can cause your plants to become sick.

The best time to repot your plants is in the late fall or early winter. While you should not fertilize your plants in the winter, it’s a good idea to water them less often.

During the cold months, most garden plants enter a dormant period. They slow down metabolic processes to allow them to repair their roots. Luckily, this process can be sped up by repotting them.

Pruning

Winter pruning is a crucial part of plant care. It not only makes the plant look nice but also promotes growth.

During the winter months, plants often go dormant. When they come out of dormancy, they will spend their energy on new growth. By removing dead and diseased branches, you can help your plants recover.

Pruning is a great way to adjust the shape of your plants, remove dead or diseased wood and channel energy into remaining buds. Many plants respond to light pruning, while some take more work. You can easily learn how to prune in your own garden.

Before you start cutting, you should think about what you want your tree or shrub to look like. Deciduous trees, shrubs and plants will be best suited for winter pruning.

Make sure your tools are sharp and disinfected. Sharp shears are less likely to harm your plant than dull or dirty ones. Also, make sure you use a pair of gloves when you prune.

Removing pests

It is important to remove pests from outdoor plants before winter. This will keep the plant from getting sick and prevent the insects from entering your home. There are a few simple steps you can take to get rid of pests.

Soaking your plant in water before you bring it inside will help to kill any bugs. You can also use insecticidal soap to spray it. The soap is safe and gentle on the plant, which will prevent damage to it.

In addition to removing pests from the outside of your plant, you can also make the indoors less appealing for insects by cleaning the soil. By removing any visible debris, you will prevent insects from settling in.

Another way to avoid pests from coming into your house is by bringing in your plants at night. Most insects need light during the day to survive, so putting them indoors only during the night will ensure that they aren’t able to enter your home.