Debugging Potted Plants Before Bringing Indoors

Question: I'm moving potted plants back inside for winter. What spray kills spiders and pests without harming plants?

Answer: Two-Step Organic Treatment

Step 1: Pre-Move Spray (Outdoors)

• Apply horticultural oil (available at garden centers)
• Suffocates insects and eggs on contact
• Covers stems, leaf undersides, soil surface

Step 2: Post-Move Follow-Up (Indoors)

• Spray weekly with insecticidal soap (garden centers)
• 2–3 applications usually eliminate survivors
• Both products: organic, safe for humans/pets/environment

Bonus Tips

• Inspect pots for slugs, snails, ant colonies in drainage holes
• Quarantine new indoor plants 2 weeks before joining others
• Reduce watering—dry soil discourages fungus gnats

This one-two punch prevents winter infestations without toxic chemicals.