MIDDLETOWN - Fall is in the air and, boy, has it been chilly. It’s that time of year where I need to think about bringing my tropical plants and orchids back into the house. Where did I have all these plants located last winter?!

       Another plant I think about bringing in from the cold are the annual geraniums or pelargoniums. I always enjoy this plant through the summer because of its ease in growing. They don’t take a great deal of care except for some deadheading and occasional watering. I love the varieties of colors, leaves and flowers. Don’t have room to bring in the whole plant? Consider the following steps so you can enjoy these beauties year after year.

       The plants can be dug before or after a light frost but before a hard freeze. Shake off the dirt from the roots. A little dirt left on them is ok; it will help to protect them through the winter. Remove any dead leaves to help prevent mold. Put the plants upside down in a paper bag and close the bag loosely. It’s not really known why they should be placed upside down, but the success rate is better. Put the bag in an area where it is cool but not below freezing and make sure it is void of any light.

       Keep an eye on them through the winter months. If some of the plants are shriveled give them a little misting, don’t allow them to become completely dried out. If there are any leaves and/or stems that are beginning to look moldy, take them out and throw them away.

       In the early spring, take the plants that have nice green stems and remove any dead leaves and dirt left on the roots. If the roots start to crumble, it is not a viable plant and should be tossed. Pot them up in some light potting mix with no fertilizer. Keep them lightly watered, not wet. Place them in a sunny spot. Within a few weeks, the plants should start putting out some green leaves. At this point, giving them some diluted fertilizer would give them that extra boost.

       My success rate with this method has been about 50 percent. But if there is no room for potted plants, it is worth the effort.

       If there is room, the best way to winter-over geraniums is in a pot in a sunny window. In the spring I will take cuttings. This is not difficult and gives me an abundance of plants. I cut the stems that have just a couple of leaves with either pruners or a sharp knife. I make sure that I leave enough stem to stick in the potting mix. I use a light mix without any fertilizer. I keep them moist but not soaking wet. Geraniums like to be on the drier side. Within a couple of weeks there should be some new growth. Geraniums are heavy feeders and I have found to get them to bloom they need to be fertilized often.

       Whichever method you choose, just think of all those beautiful plants you will have all summer.