Storing bulbs, either the tender summer blooming ones or more hardened spring bulbs that for some reason or the other you weren’t able to get into the ground in time is a tricky thing. And if not done right, will ruin any chance of bringing to life those bright delights when the time is right. It is crucial to know how to store them for when winter comes so that you can ensure that they will still be viable for planting when spring returns.
First, clean the bulbs. If they were dug from the ground, brush off dirt slowly and carefully. Bulbs are usually delicate, so take care not to break them. It might seem the right thing to do, and you might be tempted to, but do not wash them. The reason is that washing them will add excess water to the bulb thereby making it rot in storage.
If you bought the bulbs, remove them from their plastic or any other form of containers. If you store bulbs in any material that cannot allow air through, they will decay. No arguments here.
Next, package your bulbs into cardboard boxes instead. While doing this, be sure to place newspapers between each layer of bulbs in the box. Make sure that the bulbs do not touch each other.
You will now need to find a good location to preserve the neatly arranged bulbs-in-boxes. The proper practice of storing bulbs is to choose cool, dry locations for them. Closets are OK. Basements are good, so long as you’re sure they’re not likely to get damp during the winter months. Nothing wrong with garages either. But finding storage units near you is best. Most storage centers are carefully chosen and in choice locations. Plus, most storage facilities are run by personnel dedicated to keeping your stuff protected and in good condition, so that’s extra work off your hands.
Not forgetting that a gardener’s tools are his best friend, so while taking so much care of your bulbs, it is important to be equally careful in the treatment of your tools. Brush off dirt off spades, forks, spades, shovels, hoes machetes et cetera immediately after usage, leave them to dry, then store them in dry rooms. Rusty tools are not desirable, so protect your tools from dampness.
The above preparations might take your time and energy, but they’re worth it in the end because when stored properly, tools will always be ready to serve you well when you need them.
