Winter re potting

[Eric Williams]

Hi all, often wondered if a Wintertime repoting schedule has any advantages. Most people seem to have more time to spare in the dark days of Winter so I wonder what the pros and cons may be for this suggestion. Cheers

[rodsmith]

The pros I suppose are that you won't be upsetting the plant's growth as it will be dormant and, as you say, we often have more time in the winter. Cons, winter can be cold (especially in an unheated greenhouse) and you would have to ensure that the compost is dry otherwise root rot is a possibility. I have potted in slightly damp compost in November with no ill effects. I'm sure others will think of more pros and cons.

[Aiko]

Cons, winter can be cold (especially in an unheated greenhouse) and you would have to ensure that the compost is dry otherwise root rot is a possibility.

That's something you can control yourself. I always mix my own soil, and just add the ingredients I use from bins I have filled with loam, bins different kinds of sands, bins with different kind of rocks, compost and a bin with clay. If you use bags, just keep the bags open a bit and place it in the greenhouse or sheltered from rain in a windy place outside. That way you always have dry ingredients for a dry soil.

[Hedge]

I make up my compost mix in a washing up bowl, bring it into the house and let it warm up/dry out. I am a nesh little creature, and while the plants might like the unheated potting shed/ greenhouse, I prefer to work in the kitchen!

[JaneO]

Heather,

Had to look up "nesh" (sensitive to cold) - not a word I have come across before!! Quite useful in gardening circles.
Thanks
Jane O

[IanW]

I just repot whenever I have time to repot, whatever time of year that is, because between full time work, and full time study I don't have the time to pick and choose when to do it, and I don't think I suffer any more casualties than most people.

I wouldn't get too hung up on when, just do it whenever suits your fancy if the you have the luxury of picking and choosing when

[anttisepp]

Not very often, but I do, too. I bring plants from their winter place into the house, repot them and wait about 1 week, then return them back to garage into cold. The soil mustn't be wet. Usually it provides very abundant spring growth and flowering. It saves precious summer time for healthy growth. And I think that winter repotting is especially suitable for early flowering plants, e.g. Rebutia, Brasilicactus etc.

[McFarland]

I repot loads of plants in winter, never any ill effects so far. I find it better for plants to have a good start in spring with fresh soil : )

[Jim_Mercer]

Amateur Gardening have just done a video on taking "cuttings"

http://www.amateurgardening.com/home/cactus-cuttings/

[Martin]

Like ianW I do it at all times of year and all is generally well

As others have said if in the winter just make sure the compost is dry