Bringing In Your Garden this Winter

A few years ago, as winter approached, I decided to bring a few of my potted plants inside. I chose a few healthy flowering annuals and some herbs. By and large, it was a success; however, I did learn a few things that I continue to use today.

Bringing In Your Garden

Choose the Right Plants

I tried bringing in several plants, but the most successful for me were Coleus, ferns, and spices. One of the first plants I brought in was a Purple Heart. One is now too big to move in and out, so it stays in my front bay window.

I have four other tropical plants that, for several years, I would bring outside in the summer, but this year, they too had grown to the point that moving them would have been a chore.

I have brought in many spices for the winter, but had the most luck with Rosemary and Basil, both of which I love.     

Here are a few perennials the Spruce suggests: 16 Perennials That Secretly Make Great Houseplants All Winter Long.

Location, Location, Location

There may be nothing more essential to the success of bringing in outdoor plants than where you put them. Mine are mostly in one east-facing room with a large bay window. Plants line the base of the bay.  I have two bookcases and one dresser that get sunlight, so they all have plants on the top.

Keep in mind that watering outdoor pots inside can be a problem. I learned this the hard way. I place all of the pots on pie pans. That way, the water doesn’t leak to the floor, books, or my clothes in the dresser. BTW, I get the pie pans at Dollar Tree!     

Bring in Flowers, Not Pests

Don’t bring flowers inside without thoroughly inspecting them for disease and pests. Prune any dead, damaged, or diseased areas of the plant. Then look for pests. Look closely; some pests, such as aphids, can be hard to see.

I’ve found that spraying plants with the garden hose on a medium setting with a streaming nozzle clears away most pests. You can use OTC insecticides or also Organic Pesticides.  

Once They’re Inside

Be sure they get their fair share of sun. You should rotate or move plants occasionally. A mistake I’ve made is overwatering. It’s OK for the top ½ inch or so of soil to be dry. You may also want to consider a small amount of plant food.

Bring Summer into Your Home this Winter!

Bringing a few of your favorite plants in adds beauty, joy, and a pleasant aroma to your winter domicile, and who wouldn’t appreciate some fresh basil?

How Can We Help You?

Berger Hargis has a company philosophy of providing personal excellence for all our services. Our growth and success have been due entirely to our commitment to honest, excellent customer service. The company has been built on the referral business we have received due to this philosophy.

We work with residential customers and businesses in Central Indiana. If you have any questions about lawncare or gardens, please don’t hesitate to contact us. 

About the Author

Randy Clark is a speaker, coach, and author. He publishes a weekly blog at RandyClarkLeadership.com. Randy is passionate about social media, leadership development, and flower gardening. He’s a beer geek, and on weekends he can be found fronting the Rock & Roll band Under the Radar. He’s the proud father of two educators; he has four amazing grandchildren and a wife who dedicates her time to helping others. Randy is the author of the Amazon bestseller The New Manager’s Workbook, a crash course in effective management.

If you’d like to learn about Fall lawn care, check out this post.

5 Fall Lawn Care Essentials for a Beautiful Spring Lawn

The two Coleus in the photo are mine. They’re getting ready to come in for their third winter.

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