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How long will bay trees and box survive storage?

AvitalAvital Posts: 2
in Problem solving
Hello all,

I am due to move house mid January, but will need to put my belongings in storage for a few weeks (between 2-4 weeks, still tbc!). I have a collection of 20 lollipop bay trees (in large pots) and 30 box balls (also potted) that will need to be stored during this time too. 😳 How long do you think they will survive without any light or extra water?! They’re in good soil in their pots, but I’m worried about the lack of light. That said, presumably they’re mostly dormant mid-winter in the UK?

Huge thanks in advance! I can’t bear to part with my plants, but also don’t want to kill them off!! 🙈

AK

Posts

  • PosyPosy Posts: 3,601
    Is there no possibility of leaving them with a friend or neighbour? My bays never become dormant, though they slow down a bit, and I would certainly worry about putting them in storage without light or water.
  • AvitalAvital Posts: 2
    Sadly not, though that would’ve been a good option if I had anyone nearby. 😭 Has anyone brought them inside in to a garage out of the way of frost, perhaps, and knows how they survived/ how long they were kept inside? Wondering if that might give me a good gauge as to how long I might be able to risk it 🙈 ...risky gardening for sure!! 🤣🤯
  • SkandiSkandi Posts: 1,723
    I've brought them inside a barn with windows over winter. think light levels about the same as the back wall of a standard living room. since it is cold here they don't grow at all over winter so they don't start to stretch for the light at all. I've also kept rosemary in the same condition. I think they would be fine for 4 weeks so long as it is cold where you are storing them.
  • philippasmith2philippasmith2 Posts: 3,742
    Some storage companies do have outside space available so always worth checking with them.
    You do have rather a lot tho so may not be feasible.  I'd say you could well get away with 2 or 3 weeks if the plants are watered and healthy prior to storing but it is a bit risky particularly if the plants are likely to be crammed together. 
    If no helpful neighbours/friends, perhaps a local Nursery would be willing to hold them for you for a small charge ?
  • Hostafan1Hostafan1 Posts: 34,889
    what about asking where you're about to move to?
    Devon.
  • philippasmith2philippasmith2 Posts: 3,742
    Ideal solution @Hostafan1 - never thought of that :D
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