Make the shift gradually. First, put the plants in a shady spot, then closer to sunlight, and finally in full sun. Locations with morning sun are ideal; the heat of afternoon sun in summer is often too intense and can burn the leaves of some plants. Houseplants that bloom can usually withstand more sun than foliage plants.

When moving the plants outdoors, choose a spot that is sheltered from strong winds that can dry out the plants.

An ideal home for the plants is a bed that is dug and filled with gravel and topped with compost or peat moss. Set the pots into the bed, burying them up to their rims. This shields the pots and roots from sun and wind and helps them stay cool and moist.

Every week or two give each pot a twist in the bed to make sure that no roots are spreading out through the drainage holes. This makes it easy to retrieve your plants at the end of summer.

The first few weeks in the garden are critical to the wellbeing of the plants. They need to be protected from diseases and insects. Spray the plants thoroughly with an insecticide such as Sevin or Malathion. Check the label to make certain the product is suitable for your plant.

This is an excellent time to fertilize your plants. The water-soluble powders such as 15-30-15, 20-20-20 or 10-45-20, when mixed per label directions, are suitable.

For those people who do not choose to place their house plants outdoors but are planning to go on vacation for more than a few days, the following procedures will maintain your plants for two or three weeks.

Remove all flowers and flower buds, pinching them off cleanly. This will reduce the amount of water needed by the plants.

Move the plants away from sunny locations. Water the plants well and cover each with a transparent plastic bag. Make certain that the bag does not touch the leaves. Secure the bag around the pot with a rubber band. If the plant is large, the bag can be folded shut around the bottom of the pot.

Another method is to pack the plants in deep boxes, surrounding them with crumpled wet newspaper.

The most elaborate method is the capillary system. Wicks of clothesline or other wicking materials are inserted into the soil and the other end is immersed in a container of water. The water container must be higher so that the water level is above the soil surface. Water will seep through the wicks into the soil. Very large pots may require more than one wick, so experiment with this system before starting your vacation.

Pete Hale of Sarver is a Master Gardener with the Penn State Master Gardener program.