Potted Geranium Starting To Die After Several Years

Question From: N. Stienecker - Lima, Ohio, United States
Q: A Geranium that has been in the same pot for several years is beginning to die. It was brought in the cool basement for the winter in the same pot. I discovered a sack of yellowish eggs on the stem near the soil. I see no insects. What is this?

A: The plant should be repotted with fresh potting soil every couple of years. I'd repot it, cut it back, root prune it and hope for the best. Do not fertilize it until new growth appears and then use a kelp and fish fertilizer. If it lives, take cuttings and root them. Plants do not live forever. Good Luck and Happy Yardening, Nancy