If you've built up a miniature greenhouse in your home during the summer, you may be wondering how best to prepare your green babies for the harsh weather they're about to face in the wintertime. Called "over-wintering", the process of preparing house plants for winter is relatively simple, but important to perform carefully if you want your garden to live to see another year:
- Make sure the air is humid enough. Heating a home through the winter takes a toll on the humidity of the air, often reducing it by 10 to 20 percent. To keep your plants from being harmed by the harsh dry air, cluster them together in the kitchen, bathroom or any room with a humidifier. You can also place a tray of water near the plants so that it constantly evaporates into the air around them.
- Water less: On the other hand, plants don't need as much water in the winter since the colder temperatures slow the growth process. Over-watering plants during this time can cause their roots to rot, so switch to a lighter watering schedule for the season.
- Find the sunny spots: A place in your home that gets a lot of sunlight in spring and summer may not get the same amount in the winter, as the light comes in at different angles. Observe your home carefully to find the sunniest spots, then place plants there for the winter.
- Keep plants warm: If your house plants get too cold, just like people, they can freeze and die. Make sure you don't leave plants in the path of drafts or in rooms that rapidly fluctuate in temperature.
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