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This Month in the Garden (February 2010)... During
winter, potted plants indoors can substitute for the garden.
African violets, foliage plants and vacationing garden plants
line sunny windows throughout the Port Washington during the cold months
of the year.
Those
with more space or a greenhouse may over-winter less well known plants
like the red passion flower (Passiflora cocinnea) above,
flowering maples (Abutilon), or more potted Conditions
comfortable for humans, however, are not always the best for plants.
Furnaces running overtime during cold snaps can lower indoor
humidity and the indoor temperatures in many homes are too warm for many
plants. Night temperatures near sixty degrees are ideal for some orchids
and popular foliage plants and may even be required for them to develop
flower buds. Combat
dry indoor air by misting plants or placing them on trays that can be
filled with pebbles and a little water to create humidity pockets (the
water level should stay below the roots).
Also keep an eye out for insects like red spider mites, scales
and aphids. These pests
attack plants stressed by indoor conditions.
If insect problems develop they can be safely treated with products like insecticidal soap. Powdery mildew on edibles like rosemary can be treated with some sulfur based fungicides. Check the labels on any product for warnings and directions before treating your plants.
November 2010
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Port Washington Garden Club, PO
Box 492, Port Washington, Wisconsin 53074
Registered 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization