Expert: Jim Hyland - 11/15/2001

Question
Well, my spruce trees are starting to pop out from the advice you gave me back on September 24/01.  Thanks again!  Now that they are sprouting and it is winter time, what is the best way to care for them until spring?  Obviously I keep them inside, but should they be in direct or indirect sunlight?  Should they stay in their egg carton?  What about giving them plant food (I have some conifer food for my Norfolk Pine - fertilizer 30-10-10)?

Thanks a bunch!

Paul.

Answer
When it gets below freezing I would move them inside and under indirect light would be good. I would also try to put them where it is not too hot (a cooler part of the house where it does not freeze). Does not have to be at "room" temperature. Keep them in the egg carton until they get too big for it and then transplant into pots. I would just keep them watered (damp but not wet) and do not worry about fertilizer until spring. Good Luck!