Question
We live in East Hampton, Long Island and have planted in the front garden some lovely small gardinia bushes, lantana, periwinkles, and impatiens, as well as five large pots of herbs - when should those plants be potted and brought inside for winter?  My husband wants to pot them now and bring them inside in two weeks.  I've conceded to potting them now, but think they can stay out until at least early October.  When should they come inside and will potting them early harm them?

Answer
Kathryn, nothing in life is that simple - but you have a lot of nice stuff out there, so I'm glad you wrote.

Depending on the herbs, you may have some annuals that will not endure for the long term.  Some are perennials that need a cold spell to survive.  So if you'll write back and tell me what herbs we are talking about it will narrow down the treatment.

Potting now is a good idea.  Reason being, you'll be able to scoop them up and bring them inside at a moment's notice.

What complicates this is that Gardenias can be hardy down to 28 degrees F, or even colder, if they are "hardened off".  In other words, you can't take a Gardenia that's growing in a heated greenhouse and suddenly leave it outside at 30 degrees for the night; it's not hardened off.  But let it grow accustomed to the cooler night temperatures and it will stay out there for another month, maybe 2.

Trouble is, what are you going to do with your Gardenia after that?  These plants do best in temps of 55-65 degrees F, especially at night.  They need full sun to set buds, and enough humidity so that they don't drop those buds once set.  How old is this plant and how long have you been personally cultivating it?  Inquiring minds need to know so that I can finish the answer here - if there is one.

Lantana needs full sun as well but to the best of my knowledge it is not as cold-hardy as the Gardenia.  It tends to drop leaves in low humidity and spider mites love to get them when it gets dry.  Are you planning on installing any humidifiers to deal with these problems?

Impatiens can be grown all winter in an East or West window.  Keep them pinched so they continue to branch, and feed with a high Phosphorous fertilizer.  They'll grow and grow until you have small shrubs if you keep them tended.

There are many plants called Periwinkles - some are hardy perennials.  Which one are you growing?

Sounds like time to order some winter blooming Cattleya orchids - have you considered these?  You can pick up some stunning specimens in the winter flower shows, or you can order on the internet from Hausermann's before it gets too cold.  Nothing like a Cattleya to brighten the post-Christmas season January days.  With all that other experience, I'd say you're ready.

rsvp about the herbs and periwinkle - plus any clarifications you need.  Thanks for writing!