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Overwintering Plants: A Guide for Beginners
What is Overwintering?
Overwintering is the process of protecting plants from the cold temperatures of winter. This is especially important for tender plants, such as tropical and semi-tropical plants, that cannot survive freezing temperatures.
Which Plants Can Be Overwintered?
You can overwinter any tender plant that will not survive your region’s winter. This includes plants with bulbs, corms, tubers, and rhizomes, as well as non-tuberous plants.
Overwintering Plants with Bulbs
- Dig up the bulbs after the first frost kills the foliage.
- Remove excess soil and let the bulbs dry completely.
- Store the bulbs in a cool, dry, and dark location with temperatures between 40 and 55 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Check on the bulbs a few times over the winter and add minimal water if needed.
Overwintering Non-Tuberous Plants
- Bring the plants indoors well before the first frost.
- Treat the plants with an insecticidal soap or oil to avoid bringing pests indoors.
- Store the plants in a dark, cool spot inside and let the foliage brown and dry.
- Water very lightly every few weeks.
Tips for Overwintering Plants Successfully
- Start with healthy plants.
- Provide adequate light, water, and nutrients.
- Protect plants from pests and diseases.
- Be patient. Overwintering plants takes time and effort.
How to Wake Up a Dormant Plant
- Give the plants the right conditions and they will wake up and begin growing.
- Plant bulbs outside after the last frost and once the soil has warmed.
- Trim off dead, damaged, and brown stems and leaves from non-bulb plants.
- Transition the plants to light slowly, over the course of two to four weeks.
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