You spent a lot of time picking out containers and labored seedlings to make certain your plants would grow, and remain healthy. So, why leave your green buddies outside to freeze come winter?
One reason may be that you aren’t sure how to move plants indoors. Well, we’ve gathered some simple tips to help you effectively move your green friends indoors until the weather turns warm again.
What plants should you move indoors?
Bring in plants that don’t need a dormant period. Herbs do well especially well as indoor plants. Specifically:
- Lemon verbena
Other plants that grow well indoors can be found in this Better Homes and Gardens‘ article, “Tips for Moving Plants Indoors.”
When should you bring your green buds indoors?
According to the Free People blog article, “Winterize Your Garden — How to Move our Plants Indoors for Winter,” you should bring your plants in about a week before you turn on the heat. (Heaters can make indoor air stale and dry, which is not favorable to plants.)
If your plants aren’t already in pots, you’ll need to transfer them.
Transfer plants on a cloudy, cool day so they won’t be exposed to the sun and hot air. Then:
- Water: To make certain the plant’s roots stay intact.
- Fill pots with soil: Fill about a third of the container.
- Dig: Start digging with enough distance from the plant. Once you’ve removed the plant and its roots, break apart the dirt around the root ball.
Finish the transfer by tucking the plant’s roots in the container, then filling the rest of the container with potting soil. Next, mix in fertilizer and add water. Before you bring in the plant, it’s also helpful to cut back its leaves, encouraging it to adapt and sprout new growth.
Where should your plants live in your house?
Put plants in a window that gets a lot of sun, or hang cool, or warm white light bulbs above the plants.
Once your plants are inside, make certain to water and fertilize them. Also, make sure that the air in your home is slightly humid. Plant leaves will brown if the indoor air is too dry.
To find out more about growing plants indoors, consult the following Organic Authority articles: