Winter Wisdom

Brought to you in cooperation with the Kansas State University Johnson County Research and Extension Master Gardeners.   Each week we feature interesting topics for winter reading.

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Week of 11/25/02 

From the number of calls on the subject that we continue to receive, many gardeners have questions about plants they have brought into their homes for protection after a spring and summer on the patio or terrace.

First of all, the tender subtropicals should already be inside. We have had at least two frosts, and most of these plants are sensitive to temperatures lower than 40º Fahrenheit.

It is important to remember that plants need time to acclimate to indoor growing conditions, especially the change in light level, which affects the plant’s ability to photosynthesize and provide itself with nutrients.  The period of adjustment actually requires changes in the structure of the foliage and may last as long as three or four weeks.  It is virtually impossible to duplicate outdoor lighting conditions in a home environment, so plants that thrive under full sun often have the hardest time acclimating.

A second problem is the natural urge to over water if a plant shows any sign of stress.  More houseplants probably die from poor drainage and over watering than any other cause.  The first signs may be browning of the tips of the foliage.  In most cases, it is best to allow the plant to dry out to the top inch or so of soil before giving it another watering, unless it is a plant that requires that the soil remain moist at all times.

Small flies or other insects sometimes accompany the plants indoors.  This can be avoided by a good washing with soap and water, and spraying with insecticidal soap before bringing them indoors.  The problem of sow bugs or pill bugs may be addressed by applying Diazinon or Ortho Antkiller to the soil surface.  These crustaceans, related to lobsters and shrimp, unfortunately lack the formers’ gustatory appeal, and are a frequent nuisance in potted soil.  In large numbers, they may harm the plant by feeding on small hair roots.

When selecting a bright location for your plants, be wary of the heat that may accompany the light.  Excessive heat may scorch or dry the foliage.

Some callers think that planting of trees and shrubs has to stop because we have had frost.  As long as the soil can be worked, it is still a good time to plant winter hardy trees and shrubs.  Although the ambient temperature may dip into the 20’s, it takes some time for the soil temperature to reach freezing.  Planting now gives the roots of the plants a head start from which they will benefit in the spring.  There is less stress on plants when they are planted at this time of the year.  If they are planted in the spring or early summer, there is less time for them to develop new root structure to withstand the hot dry weather of summer.

Articles submitted by Bill Latimer, Johnson County Extension Horticulture Assistant and Dennis Patton, Johnson County Extension Horticulture Agent.

2001 - 2002 Winter Wisdom Archive
2000 - 2001 Winter Wisdom Archive

* Winter Wisdom is an information service of the Kansas State Johnson County Research and Extension Master Gardeners.  Research-based responses are provided by Extension Master Gardener volunteers weekdays from March 1 through October 31, from 9:00 am to 4:30pm .  To telephone, call (913) 764-6306 or visit the Extension Office at 13480 South Arapaho Drive, Olathe, Kansas.  Visit their website at www.oznet.ksu.edu/Johnson 

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