SUMMER ON THE WINDOWSILL

When summer begins, things tend to change a bit on the windowsill.  The sun gets brighter.  You might open some windows or doors, creating drafts. If you have it, air conditioning will complicate things no end!  All this heat and circulating air will dry out your plants much quicker than usual.  So, here are some things to consider as summer presents itself.

HUMIDITY AND/OR WATERING OF YOUR PLANTS

• My plants always enjoy a vacation...just like me.  If you have a sheltered spot outside, under a tree or a shrub; sometimes even cuddling your indoor plants within some larger perennials that create shade; it might be an ideal spot where you can sink the indoor plant pot into the soil.  By sinking the pot in the soil, it does not dry out as quickly.  When it rains the pot will allow the plant to absorb water either right through the terra-cotta (clay) or through the holes in the bottom of the pot.  When it's time for the plant to come back inside you just have to be careful to clean the pot of all the soil that will be clinging to it.  You also want to make a thorough examination of the plant itself to be sure you haven't got any insect hitch-hikers!
• Usually more light will spur more growth.  That means your plants will probably require more water.  If you used to water every 5 days, you may need to do it every 2 or 3 days now.  Check the soil.
• Avoid having the plant too close to the air conditioner.  Not only will it dry out quicker, it may actually be much too cold for plants that are normally tropical.
• Remember that plants "transpire" meaning that they are constantly losing water through their leaves.
• If they look droopy" get them some water NOW!

ROOM TEMPERATURE AND YOUR PLANTS

• Any temperature that you find comfortable will probably be just perfect for your plants as well.  They are happy when the temperature drops a bit at night also.
  

FERTILIZING YOUR PLANTS

• Plants go on a growing spree in the summer when the temperatures are higher.  That means they would appreciate a little extra boost of nutrition, in the form of plant fertilizer.
• When trying to find the proper fertilizer...read the label!  Here is a website that does a good job of describing what you need to do, when and how!

SOIL AND YOUR PLANTS

• Since you can do this chore outside, it is so much easier to re-pot your plants in the summer.  
• Use good potting soil.  Do NOT use soil from the garden outside.  It is often full of things you don't want in the house...or eating the roots of your plants.  Not only that, potting soil usually has some fertilizer "built in".
• When re-potting remember to leave enough space at the top so you can water the plant easily.