Trasitioning plants fromoutside, and buggy, to inside...

Question

I can't seem to find the post about putting outdoor plants on plastic bag, then bring inside, as it kills the buggies. I need instructions about how long, and if I need to spray hem first with something, and should I seal the bag completely, as well as where to put it after the plants are in...eek!

Tabby · Answer

I haven't seen that post but what I do is get a 5 or 6 gallon bucket, fill halfway with water, then slowly dunk the whole plant into it. If you do it gently enough, the potting soil won't come up very much, (you could always put a layer of tin foil wrapped around the plant's stem to cover the pot and keep the soil there.) You literally dunk the entire plant and leave it for 15 minutes. You may have to put a brick alongside the plant over the pot rim, to hold it down under the water. Any bugs come gasping up swimming to air, so you can kill them as needed, or they drown under the foil if you used that. Then slowly remove plant and pot and let drain somewhere off the ground, so less likely to get more bugs before you take it inside. It's messy but effective and you are not using potentially-harmful pesticides that your kids or pets might get off of the plant leaves later. It also gets dust off the leaves, so the plant can breathe better.

Sensible Gardening and Living · Answer

I think that is good for getting the top foliage bugs, but many are living in the soil. Because of that I tend not to bring many plants indoors.

Kathleen · Answer

Thanks soo much Tabby:) Very useful to me, and definitely do not want to use any chemicals!

Kathleen · Answer

I live in PA, so have to take some plants inside, especially the ones I had growing inside to begin with:) I just read about putting the plant in a plastic bag, spray with a mix of liquid dish detergent and water, and piercing holes for air, leaving it in a shaded area outside for 2-3 days.

Douglas Hunt · Answer

Clemson University Extension recommends spraying the plants outside with a commercial insecticidal soap several days before bringing them indoors. Then spray them again a day or two before you bring them in: http://www.clemson.edu/extension/hgic/plants/indoor/care/hgic1454.html

Catherine Smith · Answer

Agree with Douglas. I've found that to be the best way to deal with ride along pests, although I use homemade insecticidal soap.

Kathleen · Answer

Thanks all for the great suggestions:)

Trasitioning plants fromoutside, and buggy, to inside...

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Trasitioning plants fromoutside, and buggy, to inside...

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