Monthly Tasks for Houseplants & Indoor Gardening
(prepared by Lynn Mullen, Master Gardener Intern)
April
-- Transplant Fall cuttings of geraniums and any new “spiders” or “airplanes” with root nubs into larger containers filled with potting soil and slow release fertilizer.
-- Repot all houseplants which have over-wintered in last year’s potting soil, and use slightly larger containers to allow for growth. Include slow release fertilizer.
-- Trim back errant growth from asparagus ferns, vinca vines, ivy, etc. to create a bushier growth habit.
-- Sow seeds in starter/soilless rooting mixture for replanting in containers outdoors in early June. Keep soil moist but not wet; create a partial “greenhouse” with a ventilated cover to help maintain even natural heat.
May
-- Start planning porch and patio containers—sterilize all pots/containers with bleach solution, soapy hot water and thorough rinsing ; air dry and store in a clean area.
-- Begin acclimating potted houseplants to outdoor weather in warmest part of each day, but cover or return to indoors or protected shelter in chilly, windy and rainy weather.
-- After mid-month, prepare clean and sterilized window boxes with fresh potting soil, slow release fertilizer and allow to “season” or aerate and settle for a week or so.
-- After last freeze, when temps are warming up and trees are leafing out, plant containers and window boxes and move hanging planters outdoors.
June
-- Regularly check all containers, hanging plants, window boxes, for insects and disease, as well as over-wet soil (which can lead to mold and mildew and root rot). Drain and even repot any regular wet victims, introducing additional drainage material( vermiculite, perlite, sand).
-- Guard all plants from cat and bird invasions with a low canopy of “bunched” or “scrunched” chicken wire and natural mulching at least 2-inches on top of soil surface. (This works especially well for deterring cats in the garden, under bushes, etc.) The plants will grow through and around the wire to camouflage it.
-- Deadhead spent blossoms, water and drain regularly to avoid letting soil dry out completely, and relocate containers for different light/sun/shade/wind exposures if growth seems stunted, damaged or leggy.