RE: growing tender perennials indoors

-----Original Message-----
From:	owner-perennials@hort.net [o*@hort.net] On Behalf
Of ECPep@aol.com
Sent:	Saturday, January 11, 2003 9:46 PM
To:	perennials@hort.net
Subject:	now winter relief


Do you remember to water or care for all the plants as the winter goes by?
I
never lose any of them though I see one wilted and sad once in a while and
have to run for some water.  They take different fertilization schedules
also
but I seem to remember who gets what indoors while I sometimes forget in the
garden outdoors.

Claire,
	Do you have Costco or Sams Club where you are?  The shelving at Costco is
sturdy, not expensive.  Inexpensive shop lights can be hung on them and put
on a timer.  I think it is a very efficient use of the space.  Also, I think
a fan is necessary to prevent disease.  I have a Casablanca fan in the
ceiling that runs on lowest speed all the time the lights are on.
Many folks who are serious growers of Gesneriads and Begonias wick all their
(hundreds if not thousands) plants so watering time is kept to a minimum.
Personally, I find it a hassle to get it set up as the wick must be put into
the soil and out a hole in the pot bottom.  If you are potting new plants or
re-potting established plants anyway, that is a good time to do it.  But,
while I'm hand watering is a good time to inspect each plant for mealy bugs,
leaf spot, mildew, etc.  I use a weak fertilizer solution every time I water
so I don't have to try to remember which needs what.
>
> <<<<There is nothing that cheers the heart more than the sight of a
favored
> plant in bloom during winter.>>>>>

True, true, true.  Maybe I will work on some lights and shelving.  Henry
Mitchell is quoted as saying that in order to get from winter to summer, you
have to pass through March.  That justified keeping a water-lily in the
bathtub.

One of my friends is a commercial African Violet Grower and had a large room
added to the back of her house with lighted shelves to the ceiling and fans
running above.  But she starts her babies in the bathtub of an unused
bathroom with shop lights hanging over the tub!  I thought "now I've seen
everything".  There were plants everywhere, had to move some to sit down for
a visit! ......... Well, sometimes I have to move plants off the dining room
table so there is enough room for guests :)

Marilyn


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