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Because I live in an apartment (temporarily) all of my plants and vegtables are in pots. Its getting close to time to start bringing them in for the winter. My question is this---------I have shrimp plants and rose of sharon plants for the hummingbirds. Do I need to cut them down to dirt level or anything for the winter or just leave them be? They are all really young plants and not very big, so space in the house is not an issue. I just want to do whatever I need to do for them so as not to "confuse" them during the cold months. I am moving into a house soon, so they will be planted in the ground in the spring.

Whereabouts are you?
Scotland?

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~ What do I think of Western civilisation? I think it would be a very good idea ~ Gandhi

Ah no, I checked your old threads ... you're in Mississippi USA.

sorry, can't help. I don't know those plants or your growing conditions. Sorry.

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~ What do I think of Western civilisation? I think it would be a very good idea ~ Gandhi

Do you have a room in the house where you could switch off the heating? That way the plants would slow down growth or whatever same as if they were outside. Mind you, if they are going to be outdoor plants next year anyway, perhaps you could leave them where they are? Wrapping the pots in bubblewrap or fleece would prevent the soil getting too cold which I guess would be the main risk with pots rather than earth.

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Happy Gardening,
Shirley

http://www.honeyjukes.co.uk

I'd leave them as the excess growth will help protect the crown of the plant - Just drape some Fleece or even sacking(hessian) over them if you get frost ... not sure of the local weather in MS

Then in spring when things start to sprout trim everything back to some growing shoots.

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ntg

Never be afraid to try something new.
Remember that a lone amateur built the Ark.
A large group of professionals built the Titanic

http://grief-encounters.blogspot.com/