Now we may expect “Jewel Days” ... mellow, sun-warmed, clear. It seems as if summer will go on forever.

But cooler evenings signal that our long growing-time is closing down. Growers of indoor gardens will use this change to get ready for their winter windowsills.

Some people wait until almost hard frost to bring plants inside. I like to move my begonias, geraniums, Christmas cactus and others into the house while days are still warm and doors and windows will be opening and closing to match the outdoor climate. It makes for an easy transition for the less hardy plant life I’ll be living with during the darker cooler months.

Here are some suggestions. A fuchsia hanging from a hook on the porch? This will not be in glorious bloom all winter. Enjoy it, in an east window, perhaps, for a few weeks; then clip back the branches and find a place in a darker, cooler space: a bright cellar, maybe, or a guest room seldom used in winter.

Geraniums? Some growers keep them on south or east windowsills. Others take them out of their pots and hang them upside down in a dark spot, re-potting, trimming and moving to good light in spring, for next summer’s bloom Anyone with a sunny space in a very cool room can keep potted geraniums going and in bloom through quite cold weather. As with other such plants, remember: “cool” is not the same as “drafty.”

Gerberas may be potted and brought in now. Those bright, perky daisies deserve a bright spot. Petunias, cut back, are worth a try but they may not last until spring. Ageratum is cute; its foliage smells like ether, however. However, when I brought Salvia splendens (“gas station salvias”) indoors, entire white fly fan clubs followed them. (Out they went!)

Morning light is best for bedding begonias, which may be potted, then trimmed. As a rule, begonias, being succulents, need to be watered sparingly.

Don’t bother with chrysanthemums unless they’re being saved. They depend on shorter days for their bloom, so buy what you need when they’re in season.

There’s more on plants in the winter household. Feel free to ask questions!