Bringing Houseplants Indoors
Bring your houseplants inside before cold weather strikes
Many houseplants thrive during the long, bright summer days, especially when properly moved outdoors. However, these plants may have some trouble adjusting to indoor conditions when colder weather strikes.
Many of our common indoor plants are native to the tropical or subtropical climates and cannot tolerate cold temperatures. Houseplants should be brought inside before the outdoor temperature drops to 55 F. If days are warm but night temperatures are cold, you might consider bringing the plants indoors for the night and putting them back out in the morning.
Routine Leaf Drop
Many plants will drop leaves in response to the lower light conditions inside most homes. Gradually exposing the plants to lower light intensity before permanently moving indoors should help lessen the shock. However, some leaf drop is unavoidable.
Fertilize
Plants will likely slow down their growth considerably, so less water and fertilizer will be needed. The best moisture meter is your finger. For most plants, you should allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings. Reduce your fertilizer applications or discontinue if plants seem to be in a resting period.
Check for Insects
Be sure to inspect your plants closely for signs or symptoms of insect attack. Insects such as spider mites and aphids are very prolific outdoors and may increase their population rapidly once they are brought indoors. These pests may also spread to other plants very quickly.
Often a sharp spray from the garden hose will remove insect pests from houseplant foliage. Insecticidal soaps also work well, particularly on soft-bodied insects such as aphids. Several treatments may be necessary to be sure that the pests are gone.
Fall Nursery Sale
Plant and save this fall! All trees, shrubs, perennials, roses and groundcovers are now available for 50% OFF their regular price.
Whether you're expanding your current landscape or looking to install a brand new one, you'll find everything you need to create the garden you've always wanted and enjoy it for seasons to come.
Plus, have it delivered right to your door!
Putting Your Garden to Bed
Preparing your landscape for winter is an important part of fall gardening
If it's around mid-October, it's time to start putting your garden to bed and preparing it for the tough winter months. Among the tasks that should be considered include:
Cutting Back Perennials - This will not only neaten the appearance of your garden, but also protect your plants from winter exposure while promoting lush new growth in the spring.
Weeding - Prevent harmful weeds from spreading while your garden is dormant by removing them this fall - it will make your job next spring that much easier!
Shrub Protection - If any of your shrubs are in an area that will incur a large snow load (such as areas under pitched roofs), erecting a shrub guard can allieve future breaking and snapping from these unexpected "drop-ins". Available at Estabrook's, these shrub guards are contructed from wood and burlap to create a tent over your precious landscape plants and protect them from the winter elements.
Mulch - While shrub guards will protect your plants from attacks above, a layer of bark mulch in your garden will protect your garden's root system. One of the most dangerous winter effects to any landscape are frost heaves, which are caused by a fluctuation in winter temperatures that cause the ground to freeze, then thaw, then freeze again. By laying down a layer of mulch in your garden, you create an insulation that will keep your ground at a constant temperature, which your garden's root system will appreciate.
Planting Bulbs - Just because you're putting your garden to bed doesn't mean you can't make some early preparations for next spring! Fall is the best time to plant bulbs and by laying the groundwork now, you'll reap the benefits this spring with beautiful tulips, daffodils and more.