http://www.backyardstyle.com/blog Garden Product Reviews Tue, 07 Feb 2012 20:11:06 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.1.3 http://www.backyardstyle.com/blog/2009/10/bringing-in-your-plants-for-the-winter.html http://www.backyardstyle.com/blog/2009/10/bringing-in-your-plants-for-the-winter.html#comments Mon, 26 Oct 2009 16:23:26 +0000 WildBirds http://www.backyardstyle.com/blog/?p=446 It is hard to see your potted or in-ground plants die over the winter, after you have spent a lot of time caring for your plants.  Most plants go dormant during the winter and only require a little amount of care.  Here are some tips to follow when transferring your plants from the outdoors to the indoors for the winter:

• Type of Plant.  Determine if the type of plant that you have will be able to survive the winter indoors and flourish the following year.  You may want to do a search online for more information regarding the type of plant and the conditions it needs for survival through the winter.
• Remove Dead Parts.  To make your plant healthier for transplanting, it is a good idea to trim your plant back and remove any dead leaves and stems.
• Choose a Planter. Next, if the planter for the plant you wish to bring in is the appropriate size, then you may want to leave your plant in that container for the winter because your plant will be dormant for the winter.  If your plant does not fit the planter properly, change the planter to a smaller or larger one depending on the size of the plant.  Make sure that your indoor planter has a saucer to catch the drain water.  If your planter does not have one, use the Flower Pot Saucer to catch the excess water.  If your are changing your planter for the winter or your plant was an in-ground plant, use a planter like the  Round Antique Planters that has a saucer sold separately.
• Check the Soil for Insects.  Before you bring in your potted plant or in-ground plant, it is a good idea to check for insects.  Insects love to live in the plant soil and it is easy for them to hide in it.  Use an insecticidal soap, such as the Insect Killing Soapby Woodstream, to kill a variety of insects before you bring in your plant. 
• Provide Warmth and Sunshine.  If possible, place your plant in a warm, sunny spot to help it thrive all winter long.  Make sure your plant’s soil stays moist throughout the winter, but don’t over water or over feed your plant.

]]> http://www.backyardstyle.com/blog/2009/10/bringing-in-your-plants-for-the-winter.html/feed 0 http://www.backyardstyle.com/blog/2009/10/wintering-your-delicate-perennials.html http://www.backyardstyle.com/blog/2009/10/wintering-your-delicate-perennials.html#comments Mon, 12 Oct 2009 16:56:47 +0000 WildBirds http://www.backyardstyle.com/blog/?p=437 For an avid gardener, nothing is sadder than losing your delicate plantings to a cold, harsh winter.  The winter elements can be hard on your tender perennials and protecting them from the elements is essential for enjoying them the following year.   In order to save your plants and money for the following year, it is a good idea to transplant your perennials indoors before the temperature becomes too cold for your plants to survive.  Here are some easy steps to follow when transplanting your perennials indoors for the winter:

• When digging up your perennials, use a trowel, like the Fiskars Graphite Handle Trowel, to easily dig around the root ball to release the plant from the soil. 
• If your plant has lost most of the foliage, you can still dig up the roots and place up them in a planter. 
• Once you have dug up the roots, place them in an indoor planter, such as the Flower Pots or Saucers, with moist soil.  This planter is available in a variety of sizes and has saucers (sold separately) to catch the water overflow.
• Use a potting soil that is rich in nutrients to provide your plant with essential nutrients all throughout the winter.  If more fertilization is needed, use a fertilizer for indoor plants.
• It is also a great time to prune your plants and remove any dead leaves or plant parts.  Perennials may also be trimmed down during the winter.
• Another thing to consider when bringing in your plants for the winter, is if they are infected with pests.  It is a good idea to throughly check your plants for pests before bringing your plant indoors.  Some common pests are Aphids, Black Vine Weevils, Leaf Miners, and Root Nematodes.  The Earth-tone Organic Insect Control by Espoma to help control and kill the pests on your plant.  This insect control works quickly to kill insects in the egg, larvae, and adult stage.  It contains organic ingredients that are safe for use on your plants.

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