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Maintaining Your House Plants in Winter Conditions

Adjusting indoor plant care according to the changing seasons is crucial. As winter approaches, your indoor flora may require modified attention. Here's a guide to winter indoor gardening.

Maintaining your Houseplants during Winter Coldness
Maintaining your Houseplants during Winter Coldness

Maintaining Your House Plants in Winter Conditions

In the colder months, maintaining an indoor garden can be a rewarding endeavour. Here are some tips and advice to help you keep your indoor plants thriving and healthy.

Firstly, it's important to note that not all plants are hardy and resistant to the cold. Herbs such as basil aren't too good with significantly cold weather. However, vegetables like kale are quite resistant and adaptive to the cold. If you're looking to grow edibles indoors, kale could be a great choice.

When it comes to indoor plants, proper humidity is essential during winter. To maintain the right level of humidity, you can use a humidifier or place a tray filled with water and pebbles under your plants.

The cool air during winter can make the soil dry faster. Use the basic finger check technique to keep soil and watering in line. Ensure root temperature is warm and just a little moist, never wet.

Indoor plants are receptive to supplemental light such as T5 HO lights. These lights do not consume much power and produce the ideal amount of 6,400 kelvins of light for vegetative growth. South-facing windows with plenty of sunlight are beneficial for indoor plants, but supplemental light can help during the shorter, darker days of winter.

When starting an indoor garden, it is important to find the best plants that are more independent and low maintenance. Overcommitting with indoor gardening during busy periods may lead to plants getting neglected, especially during winter. To avoid this, consider choosing plants that require less attention, such as succulents or air plants.

It's essential to research and choose plants from a local nursery, and ask questions when needed. Local nurseries often have plants that are well-adapted to your specific climate and growing conditions.

Growing plants indoors during winter can provide a bountiful harvest. Containers and grow kits can be set up indoors to maximize space and facilitate easier maintenance. You can even position containers as a living wall or keep grow kits on a kitchen counter.

Lastly, it's important to consider one's schedule when starting an indoor garden to ensure proper care and maintenance. Regular watering during dry periods, providing some compost in spring for nutrients, and ensuring good drainage to avoid root rot due to wet conditions are all crucial factors for maintaining a thriving indoor garden in winter.

In colder weather, it's also important to protect plants from cold. When temperatures drop below -5°C, use thermal fleece to cover your plants. For sensitive bulbs like gladiolus, store them in dry, dark, and cool places, such as in sand in a cellar, during the winter months.

By following these tips, you can enjoy a lush and vibrant indoor garden all year round, even in the coldest months. Happy gardening!

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