House plants can make a healthy transition from indoors to outdoors. To prevent sun damage, first place your plants in a protected shady spot such as under a tree, hedge, or north side of your house. Over a two-week period, gradually move your plants into a sunnier location.
Cool-temperature plants can be moved out as soon as danger of frost is past. Tropicals need to stay inside until night temperatures are above 55 degrees F.
As the temperature rises, container plants will need more water. You should check the dryness of the soil and water before the plant dries to the point of wilting. The higher temperature and increase of water will tend to leach nutrients from the soil, so you may need to fertilize each week. For blooming plants, you can alternate between a high-nitrogen fertilizer and a bloom booster.
Potted plants can be buried in the ground for the summer, but make sure that one inch of the pot rim is above ground. For water conservation, cover the soil with mulch.
Joan Matthews, Smith County Master Gardener
Texas Cooperative Extension
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