Saving a Few Annuals for the Indoor Winter Garden
Part of the fun of gardening is trying new plants and pushing the growing limits. This fall try moving a few of your favorite annuals indoors to brighten your indoor garden.
You may have tried growing geraniums in a sunny window and been rewarded with a few colorful blooms. But have you tried ageratums and pentas? And don’t stop there - wax begonias, rose periwinkle, impatiens, heliotrope, torenia and even petunias may surprise you with a few blooms.
Start new plants from cuttings to minimize the risk of bringing insects in with the plants. Root the cuttings and grow in a well-drained potting mix. Or move small potted plants into a sunny window. Add artificial light as needed to encourage healthy growth and flowers.
Water thoroughly whenever the top inch of soil is slightly moist. And only fertilize if the plants are actively growing. Use a dilute solution of flowering plant fertilizer.
A bit more information: Reduce the risk of insects moving in with your plants by quarantining plants in a spare room for several weeks. Check the upper and lower leaf surfaces and stems for mites, aphids and other pests. Treat with organic insecticides like insecticidal soap or Neem if needed.
Related

Article

Article
Categories
Upcoming Live Events
& Webinars
May 10, 2025
Ask the Plant Doctor Q&A
Ebert's Greenhouse Village
Ixonia, WI
May 11, 2025
Ask the Plant Doctor Q&A
Ebert's Greenhouse Village
Ixonia, WI
May 15, 2025
FREE WEBINAR:
7 Steps to Managing Water on Your Property
Register here
May 17, 2025
Ask the Plant Doctor Q&A
Ebert's Greenhouse Village
Ixonia, WI
May 18, 2025
Ask the Plant Doctor Q&A
Ebert's Greenhouse Village
Ixonia, WI
June 4, 2025
FREE WEBINAR:
Attracting Hummingbirds
Register here
June 8, 2025
Selecting the Right Hydrangea
for Your Landscape
Ebert's Greenhouse Village
Ixonia, WI
June 14, 2025
Houseplants 101
Ebert's Greenhouse Village
Ixonia, WI
June 20, 2025 (event 6/20-6/22)
Pollinator Celebration
Vino in the Valley
Maiden Rock, WI
Register here
WATCH ON-DEMAND WEBINARS
Learn More