Just keep watering and fertilizing them - and wait for a rainy day ;-)). As long as you keep them alive - they will wait for you.

Rosie - and how many bugs do you bring back with them??? Aphids, mites, thrips, foliar mealies, caterpillars, fungus gnats? Rain won't hurt them, that's true.

You know, they are up on the deck in a protected spot. I have never had an issue with bugs after I bring them in. Everyone gets a soapy (Dawn dish soap) wash and thorough rinse. They go back on their wick systems and life is good! I also put my general houseplants outside on the same deck. For the most part it gets light, but plants are always shaded. On the far side of the deck, I have some large pots of annuals that I replenish every year. OR some herbs. For years it has worked out very well. AND I am attentive, same as in the house. Rosie

I usually dose mine with something more serious than soapy water. Ther worst you can do is put your AVs near Hoyas...Hoyas attract foliar mealies from miles around... and they will laugh at your soapy water...

I will keep that in mind. However it is doubtful anything will go out this year. I had to have my replaced knee manipulated (adhesions broken) yesterday. Man if it isn't one thing it is another. But I have much greater mobility now. But not enough to manage the task of taking plants out to the deck. I also have hoya and so far everyone seems to be living in harmony. I guess I am lucky that way! But, as always,,,,thanks for the advice!!!! Rosie

Ouch!!!!

Didn't feel a thing. General anesthesia, then home. Knee has much more range of motion. A few little aches and twinges but not enough stamina or stability to let go of my cane long enough to get everyone out to the deck. Ahhhh, but that Dilauded sure does help!!!! Yes I am very careful with that stuff. In fact my surgeon politely chastised me for not using it a little more frequently. But the knee does feel much better now. Bends better! Rosie

PS sorry about the off topic.

I am with you - as soon as I can - I start breaking pills to pieces - and move to Tylenol. You heal faster if you can knock them down. My cat parks on a top of me and takes pain away. Magic Puss.

Rosie, when you do summer African Violets outside, what is you day/night temperature spread? I'm considering your suggestion. But we have been having squirrely weather this spring. It was 40 yesterday morning! But will soon stabilize to the near normal of 50's/70's spread. (like 55-77)

Oh, hope you get better soon! Sorry to hear about that knee!

Fred

I don't put any plant out until the night time temp guarantees to be frost free! I guess a steady 50 degrees is what I would consider safe. And as I said, then I just tend them like any other houseplant except they are out on the deck! If we don't get rain and they are getting dry,,,I water. Remember,,,,violets are NOT on wicks when they are on the deck. Rosie