If you have flowering bulbs that can’t survive in colder temperatures, you can still save them over the winter. Then, they’ll be ready for planting in the spring again. You just need to remove the tender bulbs from the ground before the soil freezes.
Follow these tips from Blain’s Farm & Fleet for digging up and storing bulbs this fall.
The key to digging up bulbs is to be gentle. Loosen the soil around the plant, going out several inches from the main stem.
Using a garden spade or garden fork, remove the plant from the ground. Make sure not to damage the main stem.
You need to keep bulbs dry and clean for them to make it through the winter. Shake and brush off any excess dirt. Also cut off the stems.
If the temperature is still warm enough, you can use your garden hose to gently wash them off. Let them air dry in a cool, dry place. It’s best to avoid getting the bulbs wet, if possible.
Get the bulbs ready for storage. Sort them out and remove any diseased or damaged bulbs.
This is also a good time to label them, so you know which type of flower or plant they are. With larger bulbs, you can simply write on them with a permanent marker. For smaller bulbs, use tie-on labels or tags.
You should store bulbs with enough room to breathe. If not, they’ll rot over the winter.
Store them in a ventilated paper bag, mesh bag, or cardboard box, layering newspaper and peat moss between the bulbs. Don’t let the bulbs touch each other.
Store the container in a cool, dry location. Popular choices include an unheated basement, crawl space, or garage.
Make sure the temperature doesn’t go below freezing.
It’s important to check in on your bulbs throughout the winter. Check for moldy or rotten packing material, and replace it with new packing material. Throw away any bulbs that become mushy or rotten.
At Blain’s Farm & Fleet, we understand your plants and flowers are your pride and joy. That’s why we carry everything you need for taking care of your garden, all year round.
For more tips and how-tos, visit our Gardening Blog.
