Storing Tender Bulbs for Winter
Whether
you are storing tender summer blooming bulbs or more hardy spring bulbs that
you did not get in the ground in time, knowing how to store bulbs for winter
will ensure that these bulbs will be viable for planting in the spring. Let’s
look at how to store garden bulbs over the winter.
Preparing bulbs for winter storage
Cleaning – If your bulbs were
dug up from the ground, gently brush off any excess dirt. Do not wash the bulbs
as this can add excess water to the bulb and cause it to rot while you are
storing bulbs for the winter.
Packing – Don’t store bulbs in
plastic bags or containers. One of the things to keep in mind when you are
learning how to store bulbs for winter is that if you store your bulbs in a
material that cannot “breath” the bulbs will rot.
Instead,
pack your bulbs in net bags or old panty hose to store them for winter. If you are storing them in a basement or
garage (spring bulbs only), hang them from a nail to keep mice from finding a
winter snack.
Storing bulbs for the winter
Location – The proper way on
how to store bulbs for winter is to choose a cool but dry location for your
bulbs. A closet is good. If your basement does not get too damp, this is also a
good choice. If you are storing spring blooming bulbs, the garage is also a
good.
Special
directions for spring blooming bulbs –
If you are not storing spring blooming bulbs in the garage, consider storing
bulbs for the winter in your refrigerator. Spring blooming bulbs need at least
6 – 8 weeks of cold in order to bloom. By preparing bulbs for winter and then
spring in your fridge, you can still enjoy a bloom from them. Plant them as
soon as the ground thaws in the spring.
Check
on them occasionally –
Another tip for how to store garden bulbs over the winter is to check them
about once a month. Squeeze each one gently and toss any that have become
mushy.
Now
that you know how to store garden bulbs over the winter, you can keep your
bulbs safe from Old Man Winter and enjoy their beauty next year.