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Q: Ellen,
Now that it is beginning to become winter (finally), what are some
suggestions for bringing plants indoors? How do you get rid of any
bugs that might be on the plants when you bring them indoors?
Hardiness Zone: 7a
Bekkicat from Charlotte
A: Bekkicat,
A good way to prepare plants for indoor conditions is to reverse the process of preparing them for outdoor conditions (reverse hardening-off). Transplant plants into pots as necessary. Do this as soon as nighttime temperatures start getting cool (50s). If possible, place plants in their winter location for a few hours each day-until they are sufficiently acclimatized to spending the majority of the day in their new air and light conditions.
Before taking them inside, group all plants coming indoors together away from other plants. Apply an organic insecticide to the leaves (using neem or pyola oil). Wait for a day or to two and apply it again. An alternative is to give them a good spray with the hose, followed by placing plants into an "in-between" room (garage or basement). Wait 24 hours and inspect for insects again. Rinse a second time in the shower if necessary.
About The Author: Ellen Brown is our Green Living and Gardening Expert. Click here to ask Ellen a question! Ellen Brown is an environmental writer and photographer and the owner of Sustainable Media, an environmental media company that specializes in helping businesses and organizations promote eco-friendly products and services. Contact her on the web at http://www.sustainable-media.com
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