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Greetings gardeners,

February may be cold outside, but it’s the perfect time to bring warmth and life into your living space with houseplants. Whether you’re a seasoned houseplant enthusiast or just getting started, our collection of houseplant articles will help you not only choose the right plants for your space, but also keep them happy and healthy. There’s plenty to learn and do with your green thumb this month. Keep reading for expert advice, upcoming learning opportunities, and gardening inspiration to get you through winter.

Do you recognize this blossom? Maybe if you could smell it! Growing citrus indoors can add beauty and fragrance to your home. With proper care, you may even experience the satisfaction of seeing your plant produce fruit.

Houseplants offer many benefits beyond beautifying a space. Not only can they improve the air quality in your home, they also can improve your mental well-being and reduce stress through basic care techniques. Caring for houseplants involves attention to light, temperature, water, and nutrients. This guide offers practical tips for each aspect of houseplant care, ensuring your plants thrive indoors year-round. Read more... 

Fungus gnats are small, dark flies that are commonly found around overwatered houseplants. While adult gnats are mainly a nuisance, their larvae feed on decaying organic matter and fungi in the soil, and in large numbers, they can damage plant roots. Read more... 

Root rot is a common plant ailment caused by overwatering plants. You may notice a plant has wilted leaves, as though it is not receiving enough water, yet the soil is moist. Root rots can be chronic diseases or, more commonly, can lead to a sudden death of the plant. Read more...

The twospotted spider mite (Tetranychus urticae) is a tiny arachnid pest, barely visible to the naked eye, that infests more than 300 types of indoor and outdoor plants. Spider mites can complete their life cycle in as few as five days, leading to rapid population increases. You can spot an infestation by looking for tiny yellow spots on leaves and fine webbing. Read more…

February 7-9 | Alliant Energy Center Madison, Wis.

At the expo, you'll have the chance to explore a variety of educational opportunities, from hands-on demonstrations to expert-led seminars. Many of these sessions are presented by our own specialists from the UW-Madison Division of Extension. Check out the lineup of UW presenters below and preview the topics they are covering.

A weekly column of horticulture education and activities for Wisconsin gardeners. Read the latest articles from this past month.

See Larry Meiller’s “Garden Talk” Live in Madison On Feb. 7
WPR.org | Featuring Lisa Johnson and Brian Hudelson

How a lack of snow cover impacts some crops, lawns
 Fox 47 | Featuring Doug Soldat

Design Pretty Fall Planters with Autumn Colors
MSN.com | Featuring Allen Pyle

Waunakee gardeners to present at Garden & Green Living Expo
Waunakee Tribune | Featuring Amy Freidig

Spangenberg to teach at PBS expo
Price County Review | Featuring Bruce Spangenberg

More Extension Horticulture in the news →

Just in time for Valentine's Day!
A bleeding heart vine, Clerodendrum thomsoniae, in bloom.

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UW-Madison Division of Extension Horticulture Program

Find articles, resources, educational events and more at hort.extension.wisc.edu

An EEO/AA employer, UW-Madison Division of Extension provides equal opportunities in employment and programming, including Title IX and American with Disabilities (ADA) requirements.