How to Store Plants for Winter Outdoors

Unprotected plants may be irreversibly damaged by the ravages of winter.

Many garden plants get severely damaged by frost and cold winter weather, even when carefully planted in sheltered, protected areas. Don't allow plants to suffer in temperatures from which they may not recover; learn how to store outdoor plants for winter to keep them safe. Harsh winters take a toll on plants that are left to their own devices. With a little extra work, it's possible to save those plants so they may be enjoyed in future seasons.

Things You'll Need

• Garden shears
• Hand shovel
• Peat moss
• Sawdust
• Plastic wrap
• Mulch

Instructions

Store Bulbs

1. Wait for foliage on plants to turn brown during early winter/late fall. Once foliage is brown, the plant is ready for winter storage.

2. Cut the stem down to 6 inches using standard garden shears.

3. Dig the plant's bulb up gently with a hand shovel.

4. Knock away excess soil, being careful not to damage the bulb.

5. Place the bulb in direct sunlight to allow it to dry out naturally. A sheltered window ledge or garden pot may be ideal for this purpose.

6. Pack the dried bulb tightly in peat moss or sawdust.

7. Put the covered bulb in a dry, ventilated area in 40- to 60-degree temperatures F. The basement or cellar is ideally suited to this purpose.

8. Check bulbs periodically for signs of rot. If too much rot occurs, bulbs must be discarded. Add a little moisture to the moss or sawdust if bulbs appear too dry and shriveled.

9. Plant the bulbs in the spring to enjoy your semi-tropical plants again.

Store Potted Plants

1. Remove potted plants from outdoor garden areas for winter storage before the first frost.

2. Wrap the pot tightly with thick plastic to provide insulation.

3. Trim away dried, wilted foliage, cutting it off just above the stem.

4. Add 2 to 3 inches of mulch to the top of the soil.

5. Place the insulated pot in a dark, ventilated place with temperature between 40 and 60 degrees F. A garage or cellar will work well for winter plant storage.

6. Water the pot every two months, just enough to moisten the soil and prevent over-drying.

7. Unwrap the pot and bring it back outside when spring begins.

References

• University of Illinois Extension: Bring Outdoor Plants In
• Hort Chat: Winterize elephant ear

Resources

• Purdue University Dept of Horticulture: Winter Storage of Geranium, Canna...