We’re not there yet, but it is time to start thinking about bringing our plants that are rated for warmer climates indoors if we plan on saving them for next year. How do we know if we need to bring them in? It has to do with growing zones.

The USDA publishes a map that splits the country into various growing zones based on the weather. We are in Zone 7a which means plants appropriate for this growing zone should be able to withstand winter low temperatures of down to zero degrees. A few years ago, we had winter temperatures down to minus 17 degrees which is a temperature range more associated with Zone 5. This is why we had so many crapemyrtles die if you remember. Zone 7 is at the edge of the crapemyrtle growing zone recommendation. It’s also why when shopping for plants not necessarily rated for Zone 7a, we need to think about bringing them indoors for the winter.

If you do have plants that need to overwinter in your home, before bringing them in, give them a good washing with the hose. This will help rinse off any pests and generally clean the plant before you bring it inside.

Another thing to be mindful of is that since the weather is cooling, many insects tend to go dormant during the winter. This would include insects perhaps hiding in the soil of your plant. As you might imagine, when you bring the plant into your warm home, these insects could think it was now spring and begin to wake up and move about.

If you do happen to bring any insects in with your plants, insecticidal soap or neem oil are good pesticides to use. Both of these pesticides are organic so you shouldn’t need to worry about them indoors, just do a test spray on the plant to make sure your plant will be ok when sprayed.

Also, light will be key for your plant’s winter survival so try to find a nice sunny place they can call home. If you don’t have a place like that, grow lights are fairly inexpensive so you could always supplement their light needs with a grow light.

You’ll also need to put them in a place that is warm enough and away from cold drafts. Most window adjacent locations will work, just don’t let the leaves of the plant touch the glass since that glass will get cold during the winter.

And remember to keep your plants watered. Most plants that are overwintered indoors that do not survive, probably got too much or too little water. You can test the soil moisture levels with your fingers, but if you want to be more precise, you can purchase an inexpensive water moisture meter. If your plant’s leaves start to get droopy, remember that droopy leaves are a symptom of both over and under-watering. So, if you are having this issue, a water moisture meter might be a good investment.

When you bring your plants indoors, don’t be alarmed if they drop a few leaves. This is normal and no cause for concern. They are just adjusting to their temporary home. Good luck.

You can get answers to all your gardening questions by calling the Tulsa Master Gardeners Help Line at 918-746-3701, dropping by our Diagnostic Center at 4116 E. 15th Street, or by emailing us at mg@tulsamastergardeners.org. Photo: Tom Ingram