Don't Let Your Geraniums Get Cold Feet: The Hilarious Guide to Overwintering Martha Washingtons
So, summer's doing a runner, and your trusty Martha Washington geraniums are starting to look a little less "blooming" and a little more "woe is me." Fear not, fellow plant parent! With a little know-how, you can turn your geriatric geraniums into fabulous flora once again. Here's the lowdown on overwintering these beauties, with a dash of humor (because who says gardening can't be fun?)
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| How To Overwinter Martha Washington Geraniums |
Operation: Geranium Geriatric Spa
First things first, don't wait until your geraniums are sporting tiny ice skates. Ideally, bring them inside before the first frost arrives. Think of it as a luxurious vacation for your plants at your personal greenhouse (okay, maybe a sunny windowsill, but work with me here).
Here's what you'll need:
- Your trusty Martha Washington geraniums (looking a little worse for wear, perhaps?)
- A pot (their current one might be fine, or size up if they've been growing like champions)
- Potting mix (fresh threads for your geriatric guests)
- Pruning shears (optional, for a little geriatric nip and tuck)
- A sunny windowsill (prime real estate in this geriatric spa)
Shedding the Summer Duds: Time to Prep
Now, imagine your geraniums are about to hit the beach. You wouldn't expect them to lounge in their full, bushy attire, would you? Gently remove any dead leaves or flowers. Think of it as pre-spa prep! You can also prune them back by a third if they're looking a bit leggy. But hey, no pressure on achieving that perfect beach bod.
Tip: Every word counts — don’t skip too much.
Planting Paradise: The Great Indoors
Repot your geraniums in fresh potting mix. Think of it as a luxurious mud bath for their weary roots. Remember, drainage is key! Water them thoroughly, but don't drown them – you wouldn't want them to develop a spa-induced cold.
Find your geraniums a sunny spot indoors. A south-facing window is ideal. But here's the kicker: Martha Washingtons actually prefer cooler temps than their geranium cousins. So, don't subject them to a tropical staycation. Aim for something in the 50-60°F (10-15°C) range.
Keeping the Geriatric Gang Happy: Winter Woes Be Gone!
Now comes the easy part: relaxation! Water your geraniums sparingly throughout the winter. They're basically hibernating, so don't expect them to be the life of the party. You might see some leaves drop, but don't panic! It's all part of their geriatric charm.
QuickTip: Short pauses improve understanding.
Come spring, gradually reintroduce them to the outdoors. Harden them off by giving them short bursts of sunshine, then they'll be ready to grace your garden with their blooms once again.
Remember: with a little TLC, your Martha Washington geraniums will be back to their vibrant selves, ready to show those summer blooms who's boss!
FAQ: How to Overwinter Martha Washington Geraniums
Q: How often should I water my geraniums in winter?
Tip: Take notes for easier recall later.
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A: Sparingly! They're basically hibernating, so a good soak every few weeks is plenty.
Q: Do I need to prune my geraniums before bringing them indoors?
A: It's optional! You can give them a light trim to remove dead leaves or encourage bushier growth.
QuickTip: Look for repeated words — they signal importance.
Q: What if my geraniums lose some leaves in winter?
A: Don't worry! It's normal. They'll bounce back in spring.
Q: How much light do my geraniums need indoors?
A: Aim for a sunny windowsill. But remember, they prefer cooler temperatures than other geraniums.
Q: When can I put my geraniums back outside?
A: Wait until the danger of frost has passed and gradually harden them off first.
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