A Gardeners Forum Forums Gardening Reference Gardening in 2006 Overwintering in containers

We're moving to a new house, and I'm taking lots of my favorite perennials with me, particularly several hostas. Since we're overwhelmed with the house rehab, the gardens are on the back burner. I have LOTS of stuff in containers, and it's not looking good that we'll have time to do any ground prep before winter so I can plant them.

My question is, how do I overwinter them? I don't want their little roots to freeze being in the containers. I think my basement would probably be too warm and they would not get their required period of dormancy.

Thanks!

Hi Sandy,

I have quite a few plants in containers that won't be planted out by winter. I was told to dig holes and bury the containers to overwinter them safely. I plan to mulch the area as well. Good luck with the new house!

Joanne

Joanne has the right idea...bury them in a pile of mulch, with only a loose amount over the tops. This should protect all but the ones that may not be as hardy.

Sandy, this is exactly what I did last year with some Hostas and a few other plants and they all survived! This was a surprize to me!

Thanks all for your suggestions. Big "however," though!! Honestly, I would have a trench from here to next Wednesday (I have at least 20 plants in containers - some VERY large) and NO time to dig. We are working on our nightmare of a house (think the movie "Money Pit") and have to get the heat back on before it gets any colder! See: http://lasalpacas.com/Hasbrouck.htm (WARNING: lots of pictures)

We do have an insulated pole barn. What about putting them in there surrounded by bales of straw?