How to Take Care of Your Smart Pots Through Winter

It is no exaggeration to say that potted plants have been revolutionized with the invention of smart pots. These pots are self-watering so you won’t have to worry about forgetting to water your plants. This is a handy feature for people who have a busy life or have been known to ignore or forget their plants. In addition to this, such pots also have the capability of providing optimal conditions for root development and aeration hence healthier and livelier plants.

Nevertheless, no matter how cool and advanced aspects your smart pots are packed with, it is vital to note that such type of equipment also has to be maintained and taken care of properly which should be ideally done continuously but in this case, especially during the winter seasons. Not caring for your smart pot even during the winter makes you susceptible to a range of issues starting from fungal infections, root rot, and most likely slowed growth. Hence, it becomes necessary to safeguard your smart pot, as well its contents, from extreme weather conditions.

Preparing Your Smart Pot for Winter

The very first thing that you need to do while preparing your smart pot for winter is removing any water present in the reservoir. This will assist in averting the roots from decaying. Now take the plant out of its container. In case you wish to bring the plant inside, you can place it in a smaller pot. If you will be leaving it outside, just keep it in the pot.

Once the plant has been removed, the utensils as well as the pot should be scrapped and washed with plain water. This is to avoid the forwarding of any pests or diseases. For cleaning the pot, a mild soap and water must be used which must be rinsed out thoroughly before putting it away in storage.

Last but not the least, the pot and plant should be kept in a cool and dry cupboard. When putting the plant inside, make sure that it is kept in a way that it does not get direct sun rays. If it is to be placed outdoors, make sure that it does not get frost and snow.

Winter Storage Options

Generally, there are two locations for the winter storage of the smart pot: inside the house or outside the house.

• Indoor Storage

If you have cooler temperatures around, it’s advisable to put your smart pot somewhere inside your house. This will enable you to prevent frost and snow from settling on it. When putting away your smart pot inside the house, look for a cool and dry place. Such places could be bathrooms or even storerooms to an extent. Do not position it close to warming appliances like radiators or fireplaces.

• Outdoor Storage

Should you live in areas with mild climates, you may keep your smart pot outdoors. However, certain measures should be taken to prevent snow accumulation and frost from getting onto it. The pots can be completely wrapped in a tarp or bubble wrap for enhanced protection. They can also be put in safe, out of view areas like under a proto or over a roof ledge.

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Tips for Winter Care

Besides storing your smart pot appropriately, there are also several practices that you may perform to maintain its condition during winter.

• Always keep the fresh pot at near optimal temperatures. Excess chill introduces the risk of root freezing while excessive heat creates a chance of root decay. . You should regularly observe the pots for the presence of pests and damages. Damages or pests observed should be properly repaired or treated respectively.
• Water the pot in a timely manner. When growing the plant indoors, remember to water it every now and again. But remember not to make it soggy.
• Use pot cozies or insulate them. Temperature changes can make the pots change shape. Using a pot cozies or insulations helps to avert this.

Spring Preparation

Now that winter is finally behind you, grab your smart pot and plant it. The first thing which comes into your sight would be the parts of the plant. You may replant it if it seems fine. You may have to toss it out if it appears to be in a poor condition.

Additional Tips for Winter Care

• If your smart pot is kept outside, be sure that it is on a flat ground. Placing the pot in this way can avoid the chances of the pot tumbling over and cracking the plant.
• If you are using tarps or bubble wraps to cover your smart pot, they should be tied tightly. Laxity in the ties can provide the plastic wrappings with the chance of being blown away.
• For temperature worries of your smart pots, themometers can be useed. It would keep in check the chances of the pot becoming too hot or too cold.
• In case you are keeping your smart pot indoors make it a point to check it from time to time. This will assist you to notice any issues at an early stage.

The way this smart pot has been designed, it is fit for healthy plants, provided you take care of it during winter. This article provides helpful tips on how to insulate your smart pot from the extreme winter conditions and help it retain its good shape until your next growing season.

Keep in mind that good, responsive winter care includes more than just putting the pot in the right place. It is essential to keep an eye on the temperature of the pot, its physical appearance and pests and water it as required too. By following these guidelines, you can make use of your smart pot absolutely every season of the year and take care of your healthy growing plants.