OSU Extension: Storing tender bulbs for the winter
Tender bulbs include tuberous begonia, freesia, dahlias, gladiolus, caladiums, canna, Oxalis and calla lilies, and all should be stored indoors for winter or they will not survive the cold.
The general rule of thumb is to dig your tender bulbs out of your gardens after the leaves begin to dry up or are killed by frost. Once the timing is right, carefully dig up the tender bulbs. Use a fork or spade to gently loosen the roots several inches away from the plant’s base. It usually works best to loosen the soil on all sides of the plant before trying to lift up the clump. It is important to avoid cutting, breaking or “skinning” the fleshy bulb. If you damage the bulb it is more susceptible to disease or rot.
After the bulbs have been dug, clean them. Most plants need a gentle wash, but gladiolus corms store best if left unwashed and simply let to dry out. Be sure to dust off any soil before putting them in storage.
Then, the bulbs will need to cure or dry. Curing time varies depending on the species. Dahlias, cannas, callas and caladiums have a short curing period of only one to three days. Gladiolus, oxalis and freesia require a longer curing period of approximately three weeks. Gladiolus should cure in temperatures of approximately 60°F to 70°F. All tender bulbs should be stored out of direct sunlight and in well-ventilated areas while drying.
Next, be sure to inspect for pests before storing them away. Pests include both insects and fungi or other diseases.You may consider lightly dusting with an insecticide or fungicide according to the product’s label to avoid pests over winter.
Long winters can make it difficult to remember exactly which bulbs are which come spring. Label your bulbs as you put them in their final storage space. You can write directly on the bulb with a soft-tipped marker.
Finally, choose a location that is going to have a consistent temperature appropriate for your bulbs' storage. Freesia, gladiolus and oxalis should be stored at 35° to 40° F. Cannas and dahlias should be stored at 40° to 50° F.Tuberous begonia, caladium, and calla lily should be stored at 50° to 55° F.
Throughout the winter you will want to check in on your bulbs to ensure there are no signs of rot. Remove anything that shows signs of rot or decay before all your bulbs and all of your work are lost. Saving and storing your bulbs will save you dollars next spring.
SOURCE: University of Minnesota
Fairfield County Junior Fair Beef Exhibitor meeting
If you’re a Fairfield County’s Junior Fair Beef exhibitor, Show Superintendents Desirae Logsdon and Matt Henwood are inviting you to come and talk about the 2024 Beef Show. On Wednesday evening beginning at 7 p.m. in the Ag Center they want to discuss a variety of topics related to local beef projects for 2024. In addition to providing an opportunity to share your thoughts on improvements to consider for the coming year, items of discussion will include:
The Beef Performance and Carcass Quality Show
Can we harvest them prior to the Fair in 2024?
Are there adjustments to the scoring of the contest that are more closely related to the demands of today’s beef cattle industry?How Can We Improve
Are the communications you receive from the Superintendents regarding raising and exhibiting your beef cattle projects effective and adequate?
Is there something the Show Committee can do to help you to better select, raise, fit, or show your beef cattle project?
Open mic for other concerns on your mind.If you are a junior beef exhibitor, the parent of a junior beef exhibitor, or interested in becoming a Fairfield County junior beef exhibitor, make plans to attend this open meeting in the Fairfield County Ag Center beginning at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, November 1.
Upcoming events
Basics of Using a Slow Cooker Program OfferedWednesday, Nov. 1, 12 to 1 p.m.Location: Fairfield Co. District Library, 219 N Broad St., Lancaster, OHJoin Shannon Carter, Extension Educator and Sandy Bohl, Trained Instructor, with Ohio State University Extension Fairfield County, to learn more about the Meal planning tips, how to save money and time plus sample recipes to try! Register at: https://fcdlibrary.libnet.info/event/9055781For details contact, OSU Extension in Fairfield County at 740-653-5419
Basics of Electric Pressure Cooking Program Offered Wednesday, Nov. 8, 12 to 1 p.m.Location: Fairfield County District Library, 219 N Broad St., LancasterJoin Shannon Carter, Extension Educator and Sandy Bohl, Trained Instructor, with Ohio State University Extension Fairfield County, to learn more about…Parts of the cookerSettings and what they meanSafety and CleaningRegister at: https://fcdlibrary.libnet.info/event/9055782For details contact OSU Extension in Fairfield County at 740-653-5419
Sign Up Now for the “Gather Your Gratitude” Email Wellness Challenge
Did you know that gratitude can lessen anxiety, relieve stress, improve sleep, boost immunity, and even support heart health? Join Ohio State University Extension for the “Gather Your Gratitude” 6-week Email wellness challenge to learn more about how OSU Extension has tied together a variety of wellness topics related to gratitude.
The email challenge connects participants with tips, research, and resources to share the ways gratitude can improve your health. Go to https://go.osu.edu/lhlwfairfield and answer a few short questions to get registered. Sign- ups will continue through Nov. 1. During the week of Oct. 23 all registered participants will receive a pre-challenge message. Participants will then receive one email per week through Dec. 11. For additional information contact Shannon Carter, Extension Educator, Family and Consumer Sciences, at carter.413@osu.edu or 740-653-5419.
This article originally appeared on Lancaster Eagle-Gazette: Storing tender bulbs for the winter? What you need to know
