If you’re planning to bring some plants in out of the cold – do this first...

If you’d like to salvage some of that hard work you put into your garden over the summer...

...you’ll probably be hauling some of those plants inside soon. Before you do, give them all a good spray with some soapy water. Mild dish detergent mixed with water is really effective at killing lots of common pests that could be hiding in your plants, such as aphids, fruit flies, spider mites and whiteflies – as well as rust, powdery mildew and more.

If you’ll be treating fruit or herb plants, just be sure to prune off what you’d like to use before you spray. Mix one tablespoon of dish soap per gallon of water and give all the leaves a generous spray, both sides, early in the morning or late afternoon.