When I first came to Texas I wanted to have my young children take swimming lessons. It was January and I was thinking about it and doing my research. I went to my local YMCA and asked if they give lessons. The young man at the desk said, “Yes, we offer them in the spring.” Being from the northeast, my first thought was, ok April… only to find out he was referring to February!
Spring offically begins on March 20th (Astronomically speaking)
We all know that in Houston, by March 20th we will be well into Spring.  According to meteorologists, spring actually beings on March 1st. The days get longer, the birds start singing. Temperatures are on the rise. So now is the time to reawaken from hibernation and get ready for Spring!Â
Increase watering frequency.
Longer days and more hours of sun mean your plants may need more frequent watering. They are starting to grow again.Â
To avoid overwatering your plants, check moisture levels. There are meters available to check the moisture level of the soil to help you know if the plant is ready for a drink. Increase watering frequency gradually as plant adjust to their changing environment. Enjoy the warmer temperatures and the longer daylight hours!
Pruning and repotting.
When cutting back an over-long stem, make your cut above a leaf node, where new growth will appear. If you’re removing large stems entirely, cut as close to the main stem as possible.
Repot plants that need more room as well as those that need replenished nutrient-rich soil.
Take your plants outside with you.
If you want to move your plants outside in the approaching warmer months, you can prep them a bit now. A good time to move them out is when it’s consistently above 65°F, especially at night.
Outdoor weather can be unpredictable. With the increase in light and temperature, plants tend to dry out faster. Move them to a shady area and water them in the early morning and at night to avoid leaf scorch and dehydration. If it’s rained for a couple of days, lay off on watering and, of course, make sure your planters outside have drainage to avoid overwatering.
Move plants further from the sun.
In the winter, your houseplants were probably as close to the window as possible to maximize the light. Now that the sun is stronger and days are longer, you may need to consider relocating some plants away from the window and further into your space, or drawing a sheer curtain to diffuse the sun’s rays, to avoid leaf scorch.
Let your plant breathe. Dust the leaves.
Spring cleaning applies to your plants as well as your home. Your plants are busy cleaning the air in your home. According to a study by he National Library of Medicine, selecting plants that attract and catch dust in their leaf waxes can help keep excess particles out of the air. This is especially beneficial in the winter when we close everything up to protect ourselves from the elements.
As a result the leaves get dirty and clogged with dirt. They are less able to process the sunlight through their leaves to produce the food needed to grow and survive.Â
To clean the leaves wipe gently with a soft cloth and warm water. If the buildup is excessive, try a mild solution of vinegar or lemon juice and water to clean plant leaves.Â
I you are finished with your spring cleaning and want to spruce up you home with some new plants, visit our shop on Ardmore Street where you will find an assortment of plants looking for a new home. The have been well cared for and are available at discount prices. If you prefer new plants you can order them on our website to be delivered to your home.
Located at 7311 Ardmore St. Houston, TX 77054.
We are open to the public Mon-Fri from 8a-3:30p.
