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Storing tender bulbs and tubers

InglezinhoInglezinho Posts: 568
in Plants
Which is the best place to store: 1. Unheated greenhouse 2. Unheated shed. 3. Frost free conservatory 4. Bottom in drawer in the spare bedroom ? 1+3 are sunny and have very fluctuating temps. 2 is cold . 4 cool but no light.
Everyone likes butterflies. Nobody likes caterpillars.

Posts

  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,147
    edited October 2020
    For how long do you need to store them, is it for the whole winter? When will they be planted? 

    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





  • WonkyWombleWonkyWomble Posts: 4,541
    I store mine in a cool,  dark shed  :)
  • InglezinhoInglezinho Posts: 568
    I was very disappointed at the paucity of response. Some, ie. Cannas are nearly hardy but others like Eucomis are not. I have opted for the bottom drawer option but will be watching to see if any start into into growth early. The Cannas I have decided to keep in growth in the conservatory.
    Everyone likes butterflies. Nobody likes caterpillars.
  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,147
    I was disappointed at not getting a response to my question ... it’s impossible to give an informed and helpful answer without the necessary information. 

    I imagine others were also awaiting the requested information before offering any advice. 

    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





  • Joyce GoldenlilyJoyce Goldenlily Posts: 2,933
    I would store the bulbs in the shed in boxes of old compost. Put 3/4 ins of compost in the bottom of the box, lay the bulbs on it then cover with another 3/4 ins compost. No need to water, keep an eye on them in Spring and pot up or plant out when the first signs of growth show. I do that with my dahlias and it works well. I scavenged an old, plastic slatted bakery tray for my use.I line it with an old compost bag before putting the compost in it. Sand, wood bark or even sieved garden soil can be used if you have no old compost.
  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,147
    I never know whether @Inglezinho is asking advice for his garden in Brazil or for a garden in the UK, or wherever ...?  
    More information is needed. 

    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





  • strelitzia32strelitzia32 Posts: 758
    Surely it depends on what the bulbs etc are? And as @Dovefromabove says, what the location is, because the conditions in an unheated shed in Scotland vs Cornwall (vs Brazil?!?) is going to be very different. Unless I've missed something...
  • DahliadelightsDahliadelights Posts: 63
    I have some dahlia tubers which I was going to store in my shed at my allotment but when I went there yesterday it was really hot inside!  It has windows and so the sun had really made it feel like a greenouse.  Think I'll keep them in the understairs cupboard which is unheated and generally pretty cool. They possibly could have just stayed in their pots but its my first year actually growing them so I didnt want to take the chance
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