Winter Protection of Bulbs in Containers
I planted some bulbs in pots on my patio this fall. I put a 2" layer of woodchips on top of the soil in the pots. Will this offer enough winter protection? If not, can you please suggest how we should go about doing this?
Outdoor pots and planters, even when mulched, do not provide enough insulation for bulbs in most cold winter climates. The soil temperature in small containers drops below freezing and kills the bulbs. Any added insulation such as bales of straw or discarded Christmas trees will increase your chance of success. If possible move the planters into an unheated garage for the winter. Water the soil whenever it is thawed and dry. Smaller inexpensive pots can be buried in vacant garden space. Lift the pots and place them in larger planters, decorative pots or other desired locations next spring. Your efforts will be rewarded with beautiful spring blooms.
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