Tropical December

When we were in the north, all tender plants were brought inside at first frost. This was somewhere around October, depending on where we were living. They stayed there until the spring weather settled in April or May. Now we are in the south, things have changed. I have had to bring them in for a night or two, but I found last year, that mild weather can persist well into December and start to reappear in February. This makes keeping plants alive and healthy so much easier. For light frosts I am keeping them under a sheet on the front porch, while for slightly colder weather they are dragged into the lobby. Truthfully this was getting tiresome and it is close to where I am saying - find a permanent place for the winter for these tender things.The trick seems to be in watching the long range forecasts. Two or three nights of cool weather followed by several very mild nights,makes it worth keeping them outside. The breeze and air circulation, maximum sunlight, and ease of watering makes keeping for the outside plant to be so much healthier. No more spider mites or scale on them!