This last day in January is the warmest we’ve had in a series of unseasonably warm days. I hesitated to write about taking advantage of these kind of days because when they happen, they only happen once — then it’s winter again. The way this winter is going we may well get a few more of these.
Days like this give us a chance to take care of our plants.
Take today for example, it’s nearly 60 degrees outside. That gave me a chance to haul out all of the plants I’ve been overwintering indoors.
- A few of my indoor plants getting a much needed shower outside — on January 31.
When plants stay inside all winter the insect and mite population can get out of hand. Also, household dust can collect and clog stomata, the microscopic pores on the leaves. It’s through the stomata that plants absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen. If those pores become clogged, photosynthesis slows down which weakens the plant.
So, in the winter, plants are subjected to a double whammy. They are weakened by clogged stomata and then attacked by a growing pest problem.
The best thing you can do for your plants is to take them outside on mild winter days and hose them off with water. That’s exactly what I did today.
I also had a chance to moisten the tubers and geraniums that I have in winter storage. It’s a lot easier to do this job outside where I don’t have to worry about getting water all over the place.
Plan to take advantage of the next warm day – if we have one—to help out your plants.
Bob