I've done something different this year, a new challenge; I have attempted to 'winter over' my geraniums. I read quite a few articles about the process and set to work last fall. We'll see how it goes. I stored them in the basement dry-root style, in brown paper bags and cardboard boxes. Last week I sprung them from their seasonal shrouds and was delighted to see signs of life springing from the stalks! I followed the instructions for making up a potting mix: equal parts garden soil, vermiculite and sphagnum moss. After a thorough soaking I trimmed away any remaining dead leaves and shriveled stems. I made popsicle stick identifying tags and planted them near an east facing window in the basement where they'll now receive regular waterings and reside until the frost danger has passed. They don't look like much now but I have high hopes. What was the incentive for this years' wintering-over adventure? It was really three-fold. 1. I like to try new things and test myself on what is and isn't possible. 2. If this works it could prove to be financially beneficial (more money for fabric!? Ha!). 3. I wanted to KEEP the red geraniums that lived on our front steps last summer! This was, by far, my highest motivation! I cannot remember the specific variety I bought and they were spectacular; I really wanted to hang onto these plants, the best we've ever had! This photo, below, captures their beauty from last summer. With any luck they will come back to shine again in all their glory for months (dare I hope, years?) to come!
Life is Good!
5 comments:
I wintered over a couple of geraniums a couple of years ago. I didn't even give mine the care you're giving yours. But they survived the neglect and did just fine that summer. Good luck with yours!
Keep us posted - will be fun to see if your plan works!
I do this every year but I keep them in their pots. I have 8 small and 2 large pots full. I do it because I, like you, hate to see them die and then hope I can find a variety that I like as well. I don't water them much in the winter, sometimes going 2-3 weeks without water. But about mid February I start feeding them and giving them more regular waterings. It's so delightful to have them blooming during the winter and early spring. Good Luck!
My Mom has used this method for many years, and has great success. Me, not so much. I have a tried it a couple of times, but I always forget to get them out of the boxes at the right time and they don't survive. Last summer, with my two trips to NH, I didn't even get my annuals in the ground. I had one geranium that I just kept in a pot by my door and I brought it into our solarium/entry for the winter and it has continued to bloom all winter. I think that will be my new method. : )
I hope you will share with us the beauty of your efforts when they are in bloom again! I believe you will be successful--and have more fabric money! Win-win!!
Hope you have success, they look pretty in their pot. Glad we don't have the snowy winters on our gardens, just the occasional frost and the geraniums survive our summers well too.
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