I know it’s almost winter here in North America but it’s going to be summer soon In Australia and New Zealand … plus there’s some great tips here ..
Summer is always a busy time for gardeners … we have to fertilize our plants, prepare garden beds, weed, mulch, buy more plants- well if you are me you do, and once the plants start to grow there could even be produce to pick.
We spend so much time focusing on our gardens throughout the summer that at times we might end up neglecting our house plants. I try to move a number of my houseplants outdoors in the summer time. They get an added boost of unfiltered sunlight, natural rain water and regular waterings when we are watering the rest of our gardens.
When the weather becomes warm and there is no more danger of frost you can bring your plants out and unless they are very tender leave them out all night long as well. Night time temps should be over 50 F in order to leave them out all night otherwise they will be damaged by the cold.
Our houseplants are not used to the bright bright light outdoors so at first they should be placed in lightly shaded spots. If they are true sun lovers you can move them to brighter areas once they have acclimated to the area you first put them in.
Remember that potted plants may topple in the wind so make sure they are in protected areas when finding a summer spot for them. You’ll also need to check that they don’t dry out- as being outdoors exposed to dry warm air and winds will make they dry out faster than they do indoors.
Watering can be simplified by sinking the pots directly into the soil in flower borders or into a larger container filled with moist peat moss. Less water will be lost than from free-standing individual pots, and the plants will draw some moisture from the surrounding media.
Continue fertilizing house plants that are summering outside as you would for indoor plants. The high light levels will allow rapid growth if nutrient and water needs are met. If any of the plants are approaching a stage where repotting is in order, perform this task before the summer so recovery will occur while the plant is growing rapidly.
Watch for insect damage and treat as you would indoors if any occurs. Placing some window screening in the bottom of the pots will prevent pests such as sowbugs from entering the pot. At the end of the summer, soak the plants in water for fifteen minutes to drown or drive out any insects that have taken up residence.
Return the plants to the house by repeating the process of acclimatization in reverse. Move the plants to progressively shadier spots so they can get used to lower light levels before coming indoors. Be sure to complete the return trip before nights become cool.