hybrid begonias

[coralbelle]

It won't be long before we get a frost here so I need to start bringing in all these gorgeous begonias. Newt, you said that you keep them wintered successfully in a sunny window. Can you advise me on what kind of pot works best and the kind of soil they prefer ? I've never had my soil analyzed but it is dark almost black in color and is rich in organic matter as I mulch leaves and grass clippings for years. My problem is everything thrives in it. Can I use the garden soil? Thanks a lot, Coralbelle..

[Newt]

I usually use potting soil in the house as it's sterilized.* Garden soil can be a bit heavy in pots and will definately have 'critters'.* You might want to consider taking cuttings and rooting them to bring indoors.* Then plant in potting soil with some perlite added.* Be sure to not breathe in the dust from the perlite as it's bad for your lungs.* You can fertilize with an organic fertilizer like fish emulsion or fish emulsion mixed with seaweed or sea kelp to add nutrients.* The plants will be slowing down for the winter so you only need to fertilize once or twice all winter.

Another trick I use with my house plants, especially those that bloom, is to use milk.* When the container is empty I add water to fill and use that to water my plants.* I also use cooled water from boiling eggs as they appreciate the calcium.* Cooled veggie water is great too if no salt has been added.* If I steam veggies, I cool the water and then fill the cooking pot with more water and give it to my house plants.* I've been doing this for years and never have problems with them.* My peace lilies bloom alot from these methods.

As to the kind of pots to use, that would depend on how you water.* If you are a person who tends to water alot, then clay pots would be good as they breathe and tend to dry out faster.* If you forget to water until your plants wilt a bit, then plastic pots could be an option.* Overall, I prefer clay even though I tend to let my plants dry out before watering.* Since the begonias don't need to be constantly wet, the clay might work for you too.

Newt