Your plants have had a great run outdoors during the spring and summer, but that doesn't mean they're doomed to wither away in the fall and winter. Gardening experts say it may take some extra work, but outdoor plants can often thrive indoors under the right conditions.

"Bringing outdoor plants inside for the winter can be tricky," says Roman Gonzalez, founder and CEO of Gardenio, a socially conscious garden club with an app and online community. Gardenio is on a mission to help people grow their own food and inspire the next generation of lifelong gardeners. "Depending on where you are located, winter brings less sun, and sun is crucial for plants to thrive. However, there are some ways to ensure your plants survive."

He stresses the importance of making sure your plants get as much sun as possible. Often that means placing them in the most southern-facing window. If your home doesn't provide enough natural light, consider investing in LED grow lights as a supplemental light source.

It's also smart to have a fan to improve circulation. Gonzalez explains that herbs do well when their soil is kept regularly damp. But that damp soil can be problematic because indoor air circulation is stagnant.

"This stale environment can breed a lot of fungus related diseases for your plant or unwanted pests," he says, noting a small fan near the plants can keep air circulating, which can help keep soil fresh.

*Tips for Indoor Success

Before moving plants indoors, check carefully for pests.

"Look under the leaves, in the crotches of the plant and along the stems," says gardening expert Jessica Walliser, author of "Gardener's Guide to Compact Plants." Walliser recommends using a strong stream of water to dislodge pests. Use a lightweight horticultural oil to treat bad infestations before bringing the plants indoors.

A blogger at Savvy Gardening cautions gardeners not to fertilize plants that have been moved indoors.

"They will take time to adjust to their new surroundings, including reduced light levels," she says. "New growth and flowering should be discouraged."

The plant may shed leaves and grow new ones indoors. That's normal, says Walliser, explaining that's how a plant adjusts to new light levels.

Be aware of water needs, too. Plants kept indoors aren't in an active state of growth during the winter and don't need lots of water. Plus, overwatering could result in fungus gnats.

Plants kept in a garage or cold basement, such as angel trumpets, plumbago, red bananas and hibiscus, will be dormant during the off-season.

"Keep them slightly above freezing for the winter, and trim off the leaves as they die," she says. "Water only once every eight weeks."

*Cold-Hardy Plants

Not every plant has to be brought inside to thrive. Gonzalez says cold-hardy plants, including kale, beets and Brussels sprouts, do well outdoors in chilly temperatures.

"Plants can hold a lot of energy in their roots over the winter," says Gonzalez. "For any noncold-hardy plants, aka plants that can't survive a freeze, the whole idea is you're trying to prevent the roots from freezing."

He says foliage often freezes, and the gardener can cut the plant back. Then, in the spring, the plant will come back. The goal is to make sure the roots don't freeze, or the plant will die.

In warmer areas, such as Gonzalez's home state of Texas, winters are milder. He can keep many plants outside, unless the temperatures drop below freezing. He advises either bringing the plants inside for a few days until the freeze passes or dressing your plants in plant jackets. "Most of them will protect your plant down to about 25 degrees or so," he says. "Below that, definitely bring them inside."

If you plan to keep plants outdoors, use sturdy containers to keep them insulated. Plant them closer to your house or an outdoor heat source. Gonzalez even advises hanging string lights for added warmth.

*Seasons Change

Don't be disheartened if your outdoor plants don't do well indoors. Your love of gardening can live on, and there's always another season.

"Remember that nature has a cycle, and that's OK. Plants dying is a perfectly fine thing, so don't be bummed out if your plant does die," says Gonzalez. "You can always grow more. But if you can keep it going, why not?"