If it's easy to bring them in, and they'll get plenty of light,
bring 'em in. If they will suffer from not enough light, leave
them outside. Outside they *may* suffer slightly if it gets
too dark and/or cold and/or moist, but they will nearly always
come back from the roots. Due to the extensive roots system of
capensis, which can also be used to easily propagate the plant,
it will come back from underground.
Realistically, unless you get frost, the plant will come out
looking fine. Growth will slow in the winter as it gets colder
and darker, but this plant normally has no dormancy. Essentially,
capensis is weedlike in its' survivability.
I've left mine out in past winters with little problem. Just
watch out for rot, which is a function of too much moisture and too
little light.
>>Years ago, when I was a kid, I built a ranshakle small "greenhouse" for my
>>cp and other plants. This thing was about 4x4x3 ft. with a door that opened
>>at the top.
>>
>>I'd like to build another one, but I'd like to build this on a bit better
>>and sturdier. Are there any plans someone might be familiar with thaT I
>>might be able to find? I have a very small backyard, so I can't go to a
>>full-fledged greenhouse.
You could do a lean to affair which has no space for people
inside, which would maximise your growing space per square
foot.
You could also cheaply experiment with size and location by
building a greenhouse out of thick walled PVC pipe and pipe
fittings. You cover the PVC frame with polyethylene, and use
a wide, clear, waterproof, tape to seal the seams. There
was a book on this called the $29.95 greenhouse, although it's
likely to cost you more. This is a good basic greenhouse.
I used one as a kid for a full season. Watch out for heat
buildup though.
>>
>>BTW, Of all of the lists I'm on (both listserv and Usenet), I think that
>>this is one of the most enjoyable. Discussions are carried out with
>>respect for the subject and for each other. Glad I joined!
Thanks for saying that. With the recent discussion of thefts,
and some personal gripes I have about high rolling collectors,
your comment is a nice ray of sunshine.
R.