5 Simple Tips for Bringing Your Plants Indoors
Siyonara, Summer. Hello, Fall!
So many things to love about fall. Between the vibrant colors of the changing leaves, the flavors of so many comforting foods, the fresh, cool air and the enrapturing coziness that all homes seem to take on- for a few weeks- it's bliss. However, there are two sides to every coin, and the flip side of fall - is the cold. With fall and its impending cold bite comes the withering away of the lush vibrant plants that, as humans, we need as a part of our daily lives. It's partially for this reason why so many people develop
Seasonal Affective Disorder throughout these few months. Once frost strikes and the freezing overnight temperatures set in, it’s lights out for your favorite plants. To keep your plants alive year after year, it’s always best to bring your plants indoors and away from the cold. Here are
5 simple tips to help your plants thrive indoors during the colder months, or even year-round! So beat the blues with a little more green. You'll be surprised by the dramatic results.
1. Gather the Essentials
Cold fronts have a tendency to sneak up on you. And once they strike, the
cold blow can usually damage many plants past the point of recovery. This is why it's always best to be prepared and just make sure you the essential tools you’ll need to keep you and your plants happy over the next few months. These essentials include: a watering can, a pest cleaning solution, supplemental lighting, pruners, containers, potting soil, stakes and ties. Have fun with it too! If you want to make a designated plant area, you can try arranging everything on something like a bar cart to add some color and life to any room.
2. Eliminate Pests
Inspect the leaves stems and soil for plant pests and other insects then be sure to wash your plants. Use a spray of water outdoors, and then apply insecticidal soap and let it dry. This procedure is important, because it removes and destroys insect pests and their eggs. Any pests on your plants indoors will rapidly multiply and quickly cause an infestation of your indoor garden.
3. Use a grow light to keep them in a bright area
When moving your plants indoors, be sure to place them in areas with plenty of bright light. If you have a sunroom with great exposure, count yourself lucky. However, if you don’t, it’s advisable to use
grow lights for supplemental plant lighting.
4. Don’t Overwater
Water your plants sparingly in the colder months in order to prevent overwatering. Remember that most plants drink very little this time of year. Be sure to water them moderately but regularly. You can tell your plants need water when the first one to two inches of soil is dry.
5. Trim Dead or damaged leaves or stems
Trim your plants back by cutting away dead or damaged leaves and stems. Be sure to disinfect your cutting tools to refrain from infecting a healthy plant. However, be sure not to trim away any of the healthy leaves and stems. This will leave you with a healthy and attractive new showpiece for your home.
Bonus Tip: Have fun with it!
Beat the blues with full, beautiful and happy plants leaving you with but nothing but love and affection for the inevitable and fast approaching fall and winter months. Bring your plants indoors and leave the cold outside. And with these 5 tips, you won’t have to hide your plants in a basement, closet or laundry room this year.
Let ‘em shine!
