Melinda’s Garden Moments is heard Mon.-Fri. at 7:45 and 10:45 a.m. and 4:45 p.m. on WHAV.
Help your houseplants summering outdoors get the most from their vacation. You can keep them healthy and looking their best with just a little help from you.
Help discourage millipedes, pill bugs and other soil insects from entering your houseplant containers. Slip the pot into the toe of an old nylon stocking before placing it inside a decorative pot or sinking it into the ground. This barrier can reduce and possibly eliminate these pests from entering the soil. And that means fewer will be moving back inside with the plants.
Keep aphids and mites at bay by giving your plants an occasional shower. Strong blasts of water help dislodge aphids and mites. If the populations increase try using eco-friendly products like insecticidal soap, horticulture oil and Neem labeled for this use. Always read and follow label directions carefully.
A bit more information: Mulch the soil with shredded leaves, evergreen needles or other fine organic material to keep plant roots cool and moist. Or use chunky style bark or stones to discourage animals from digging in the pots.
For more gardening tips, how-to garden videos, podcasts and more, visit www.melindamyers.com.