Q: I want to make sure all those bulbs I dug out of the ground are good to go for spring. How and where should I keep them?
— Colleen Oleksa
Pittsburgh
A: In general, summer-flowering bulbs need to be stored in a cool, dry place where they’re protected from freezing. In many cases, it’s a good idea to let them air dry for a week or so and then store them in peat moss or sawdust, perhaps in a brown paper bag, a net bag or an old pair of pantyhose.
The best storage methods differ among flowers, however. The Ohio State University Extension has information in its Summer Flowering Bulbs fact sheet (HYG-1244-92). It can be found in the Yard & Garden section at http://ohioline.osu.edu.
Dayton Nurseries in Norton has a good tip on its website: Be sure to label the bulbs when you store them. Otherwise you might not be able to tell them apart when it’s time to replant.
Have a question about home maintenance, decorating or gardening? Akron Beacon Journal home writer Mary Beth Breckenridge will find answers for the queries that are chosen to appear in the paper. To submit a question, call her at 330-996-3756, or send email to mbrecken@thebeaconjournal.com. Be sure to include your full name, your town and your phone number or email address.
