Learning how to water plants to increase growth in pots, container or garden - especially how to water roots and tubers. Specialities: root growth or tuber growth of lawns, fuchsias, geraniums, dahlias and begonias.

14 October 2010

Storing Border Geraniums Over Winter

STORAGE IN AN OUT-BUILDING
For over-wintering in an outside building (garage or shed), I store them with some soil around the roots. They can be dug up carefully and placed straight into pots, then left to dry out naturally in airy conditions. Do not to use too small a pot; they tend to do best when it is at least 5 inches (12.5 cm). Do not water till spring.

Do not cover until it is really necessary, usually in late December to mid February. I only cover when hard frost is forecast, then remove covering between frosts. Keeping them dry is the plan.

STORAGE INDOORS
The above method can also be used indoors. However, to avoid discovering any little strangers (creepy-crawlies) on the window sill, it might be wise to sterilize the soil. This is especially wise this year, since fungal leaf spot has been a problem. Sterilization will prevent it over-wintering in the soil.

As described elsewhere, a microwave oven is useful for sterilization.

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