I just bought a small aloe vera plant and plan to put it out in the garden for the summer months, then bring it back in before it gets too cool. Anyone else have experience with this? When do you put out and take back in? This is currently in a 4" pot which I will likely transplant to a 6" pot, then place that inside a larger tallish terra cotta pot that is partially sunk in the cosmetic section of my herb garden. I thought that would kind of showcase it and remind me to pay closer attention to it. Also what kind of soil would you use? I've previously had aloe veras outside that end up rotting because of too much water. I thought maybe a cactus mix with extra pebbles or vermiculite so it drains pretty freely (?)

I have had aloe vera's forever and have them go dry for weeks before watering. They are in a sunny breezeway, but not outdoors. I keep some succulents and cactus in my hubbies smoke shack (lots of windows and hot when dun comes out) during the spring, summer and fall, but here in the south sound it tends to be too wet for them outside. They need to get and stay dry for an extended time between waterings. Our cool nights are hard on wet roots. One way of helping them stay dry enough so they don't rot is I keep them under glass top tables (have a couple of end tables). It is how I have kept some of my semps and sedums going that rotted otherwise. For the hardies succulents I can even winter them outside under the tables if I never water them until late spring. During our last hot spell they got their first watering since last August. Oh yeh, they are in very shallow, old enamel, rusted through small dish pans.

Good luck with your new baby.

Hi Deb - I use pumice mixed with some soil and sand - I don't measure just mix up some (cheaper than cactus mix and probably better draining) I put mine out April 15th and take them in early Oct. but I think I'm a little warmer here in Seattle, so you have to go by your frost predictions. Actually I haven't put my plants back outside yet, but I'm doing that tomorrow probably. Also I have usually NOT taken the time to acclimate them to full sun thinking "there aloe's they'll be fine" and they end up sunburnt, so this year I really am going to take my time, giving them several hours of sun and then shade for a couple of weeks. Let us know what you do!
Cheers hope you are well

Good idea with the pumice, I already have soil and sand, will put that on my nursery list. So far, the aloe is just sitting on my south facing covered porch window sill -- lots of sun with a bit of protection (unheated but enclosed). Perhaps this weekend I'll move it out to a protected corner outside for a week or so, then out to the herb garden itself which is in full sun.

Sounds like that will be perfect! I have to move mine out tomorrow and Saturday! I have a cloth that I'll use for shading them, giving them several hours each day of full sun

Thank you for information on aloe vera,
Its nice to know other nothwest gardeners and great information.