Expert: Long Island Gardener - 11/1/2006

Question
How do I care for my tulip container after I've planted the bulbs in the fall? Water it regularly? Don't water until spring? Keep it on my covered porch or in the garage? I live in the Chicago area and it can get cold. If it gets really cold, cover it somehow?

Answer
Beth, spring bulb containers should have drainage holes at the bottom to keep the bulbs from rotting, yet be light enough to lug around next spring at the first signs of life.

You need a place that is not going to be heated, but it won't be frozen.  And it should ideally be a place that you don't mind getting muddy water splashed around a bit when needed.

Water, but just enough to keep the pot barely moist.  The roots will be forming throughout the winter.

This is a very tricky exercise, mind you.  Pick up a maximum/minimum thermometer at Home Depot or on the internet and keep it with your pot so you know what kind of temperatures it's exposed to.  They should never be over 50 degrees.

I have had varying success with this process in a special refrigerator.  Usually the bulbs sustain a certain amount of damage from lack of oxygen.  In times like these, it's good to be able to buy yourself a greenhouse.  Some things just work better that way.

But give it a try.  Maybe you'll come up with a technique that works with what you have access to.

Any questions?