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.