Question
Hi,
I have a fern (I think it's a Boston Fern) & it has been living outside all summer. It had a rough start in life & I rescued it from a thrift store for $1.00. It was in bad shape, but has filled out nicely & seems to be really happy on my deck.
Now that winter is rolling around I don't really know what to do with it.
Do I leave it out all winter or bring it in? I don't have a very sunny house, so light may be a problem....I know he only cost a dollar, but I have grown very fond of my little fern friend & would hate to lose him over the winter.

I live in KY & the winters are fairly cold (gets down below zero at times, but usually hovers in the 20's), we don't get much snow if any.

Thank you for any advice you may be able to offer

Answer
Boston Fern ('Nephrolepis exaltata' to botanists) is a splendid houseplant in Northern climates.  If you lived WAY down South, you could leave it outside.  But being as you're in the Bluegrass State, you are going to have to grow this in a BRIGHT window with a decent amount of light.  It also needs a fair amount of humidity to do well (brown tips and stems -- not a major problem but it won't be at its best through winter until you can bring it outside again).

I suggest you find someone with a big, sunny window who can appreciate your Green Thumb and the charming little story that comes with it.  Give it to them.  Shouldn't be hard.  These are beautiful plants (the Victorians were wild about these).

Good luck and keep me posted.