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Wintering
Over
When the nighttime temperatures
no longer hint of summer, but rather the crispness of fall, it's
time to bring certain plants indoors. Which plants? All houseplants
summering outdoors should be moved in, as well as any tender perennials,
such as fuschias or geraniums (pelargoniums), or annual cuttings,
such as coleus, that you'd like to keep over the winter.
Around September or October,
depending on where you live, you should start moving them into your
house or other sheltered area; they should all be inside by first
frost. Plants left outside may have acquired some bugs, so before
you bring them indoors, spray water on the leaves--the undersides
as well as the topsides--to remove all insects. Repotting can also
greatly reduce the number of resident bugs, as can submerging the
pot in water.
Reduce your plants' watering
and fertilizing schedule once inside. Now that they're not exposed
to the sun and drying winds, they'll need less food and water. By
moving your plants indoors during the colder months, you'll not
only extend their life, but you'll create an indoor winter garden
for yourself.
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