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Surviving a Winter of Discontent |
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Written by Chloroboy
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Wednesday, 24 December 1997 |
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Page 2 of 2
Providing Optimal Conditions
Admit it. You've been procrastinating again. Your plants are all inside, but some of them are still missing something drip dishes. This increases the likelihood of underwatering plants as you seek to avoid making a mess on your carpet or favorite table. To avoid property damage caused by condensation or mildew, keep pots (especially clay or ceramic pots) elevated off furniture and floor surfaces.
Although most of your indoor plants can probably endure the winter months without supplemental light (with the possible exception of some cacti), spend an extra ten or twenty bucks on a grow light to make the ordeal considerably less stressful for everyone involved. Providing additional light will enable your plants to thrive rather than merely survive, and going into Spring with healthy, actively growing plants will significantly increase your yields next year.
Inspect your plants closely a couple of times per week. Look for signs of spider mites, which appear as tiny red dots, and the white clumps of their eggs on the undersides of leaves. Spider mites suck the vital juices out of plants and leave the top sides of the leaves lightly speckled or “mittled.” A fine mist sprayed on the tops of plants will reveal the tiny webs of these devlish pests, which can be deterred with good air circulation, regular watering and bright light. In most cases, applying Safer's Insecticidal Soap will eradicate spider mites. Major infestations can usually be prevented by conducting regular examinations of your plants and taking swift action against pests as soon as they are identified. Should you find yourself overwhelmed with pests, however, your best mode of action could be the use of beneficial predators. There are several online retailers of predatory mites and insects and they can be of invaluable assistance when faced with a serious threat of infestation. Besides the usual suspects -- spider mites, aphids and mealy bugs -- keep an eye out for mold, which often results from chronic overwatering and/or poor drainage.
Out of Sight, Out of Mind?
Just because the scorching days of summer have long passed, you still need to pay attention to the amount of rainfall in your region. Take it from someone who learned the hard way: Winter draught conditions are not as rare as you might think and even the hardiest perennials left outdoors may die or sustain major damage if they don't receive supplemental watering from their caretakers.
Planning For Spring
There's nothing like the prospect of new plants and possibilities to drag your wilted psyche through the dreary months of the season. Order every new catalog that comes out and make a master list of plants you cannot -- make that will not -- live without. Determine the best time for starting seeds indoors to give you the jump on Spring. Brush up on your knowledge of safe and effective extraction techniques. Gradually stock up on the pots, dirt, manure and organic additives you'll need later so you won't be overwhelmed with the expenses all at one time when Spring finally arrives.Oh, yeah. I almost forgot the best part:
Enjoy Your Harvest!
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