From The Ground Up: Dig up and store tender bulbs over the winter

As you look at the beautiful plants that have grown from bulbs you planted last spring, it's hard to let the cold weather destroy them. I actually enjoy digging my bulbs and storing them for next spring planting. I feel like I have cached lots of foliage and flowers for next year's enjoyment.

The general rule of thumb for storing bulbs is:

-- Do not injury the bulbs when digging. Dig far enough away from the stem so you will not cut into the bulb.

-- Only shake the dirt from the bulbs do not wash them. The exterior of the bulb needs to perfectly dry before storing.

-- The bulbs should not touch each other in storage. If one bulb rots the bulb touching it will also spoil.

-- Store the bulb in a 40 to 50 degree cool dry area. A garage, basement or root cellar will work.

-- Although the bulbs should be dry on the exterior, the bulb should never be allowed to dry out. Some bulbs will need to be stored in peat or vermiculite to keep the necessary moisture in the bulb.

One of the most popular bulbs to store overwinter is the canna bulb. The most difficult part of this storage procedure is digging the bulb. Wait until the foliage has completely collapsed due to a severe frost, these bulbs can double and triple in size over the summer. A sharp shovel and a strong back are in order for this task.

Most gardeners find that they do not need to dig everything they planted in the spring to have more than enough for the following growing season. Dig the now big bulbs and cut the foliage back to 2 inches above the bulb. The bulb will seep, so it must be completely dry before storing for winter. Store the bulbs in a frost free environment to allow the stems to completely dry.

In my experience these bulbs can now be packed into cardboard boxes (it's OK for these bulbs to be touching) until spring when they can be separated and planted. No need to store them in peat.

Dahlias, caladium, Gladiolas, elephant ears, and Calla Lilies need to be dug, dried and stored in vermiculite or peat to retain moisture in the bulb itself. I place the bulb in mess bags and store in buckets filled with peat. These buckets are covered with loosely fitted lids and placed along the outside wall of a heated garage which is the coolest place I have available.

Check as early as March because some of the bulbs, especially the calla lilies, will be showing signs of sprouting, at which time it is fun to pot them.

Enjoy preparing for spring by digging now.