
                         THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
                 Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: SUNDAY, June 12, 1994                    TAG: 9406100084 
SECTION: HOME                     PAGE: H1    EDITION: FINAL  
SOURCE: Robert Stiffler 
DATELINE: 940612                                 LENGTH: Short

IT'S TIME TO YOUR YOUR HOUSEPLANTS OUTDOORS

{LEAD} layer of gravel at the base of the pot will ensure good drainage.

Check plants regularly for insects, which are more of a problem outdoors. You might need to apply slug bait, because snails and slugs eat holes in the leaves of many houseplants.

{REST} Not all houseplants can be moved outdoors. Keep African violets, gloxinias and other plants with sensitive foliage indoors.

Houseplants that remain indoors will need feeding and water. Use a soluble fertilizer, dissolving 1 teaspoonful in 1 quart water. Stir well and let stand overnight before using.

If a plant has outgrown its pot and become root-bound, give it a larger container and it should remain healthy.

A good potting medium is a mixture of 3 parts loamy soil, 2 parts peat moss and 1 part coarse sand. Add to the mixture 1 cup of 20-percent superphosphate per bushel of prepared soil.

Bring all houseplants indoors by mid-October. They need to acclimate to the indoors before frost. by CNB