Re: bulbs are here/lurker

Ron,
Dig the bulbs and spread them out on newspaper in a dry place with good
ventillation  (garage) for a few days.  On about the 4th day, you can clean
them by rubbing your thumb across them.  Soil should be removed because it
holds moisture that can rot the bulb and possible pathogens that could go to
work during storage.  Of course, that's a lot of rubbing for 1800 bulbs!
You might try rinsing them first to remove the soil, but then they must be
left to thoroughly dry before storage.

After I thumb rub mine I allow them to sit a few more days unless the garage
is terribly hot.  Then I take them down to my crawl space  and with
individual varieties in separate mesh bags, I spread them out on screens
until October. It is cool under the house but not cold.  You can't
refrigerate them becuase they still need warmth to aid in development of
their buds.  But I couldn't leave them in the house or garage because Tulips
should not be allowed to get too warm.  They can't tolerate temps over 70
for an extended period of time.  The cool but not cold temp under the house
is similar to what they might experience in the ground.

Brent & Becky suggest  using a fan to dry them quickly.  They also say it
helps during storage to remove gases from the bulbs normal respiration.
Just remember that good air circulation is important, so spread them well
out during storage.  That could be a cool basement or whatever else you
might have.

You mentioned other bulbs.  This method is fine for narcissus, tulips,
crocus, and many others, but there are some minor bulbs in the Lily family
that resent being out of the ground too long.  If you are concerned about
the others or have any other questions I'd be glad to look into it for you.

Kitty


----- Original Message -----
From: "Ron & Penny Verow" <rverow@earthlink.net>
To: <gardenchat@hort.net>
Sent: Thursday, August 07, 2003 6:19 PM
Subject: [CHAT] bulbs are here/lurker


> Hello Kitty,
>
> My bulbs arrived today & thank you so much. I will have them in the
> ground by tomorrow.
>
> As far as lurking; I have been lurking for over 2 yrs if we are counting
> AHS list. I do say a few (very few) words once in a while)
>
> I am trying to build beds undoubtedly too large for a newcomer but I
> have lots of time having retired 7 yrs ago at age 55 yrs.
>
> I am trying to display plants for my wife to see out of all our windows.
>
> I have a lovely rock garden & am in the process of cataloging all of the
> plants for reference on what works here in Maine.  I have also had help
> from a lovely young gal who has painted info on rocks for all  to see.
>
> I have two large holding areas to hold all the plants that I beg,
> borrow, & buy until I finish my 300' X 5' long planting area. Plus 5
> smaller plots.
>
> In the future I hope to make a contribution to this wonderful site
> famous in my mind for all the helpful hints I am able to glean.
>
> Thanks you all so much.
>
> I do have on question which I am hoping an answer for.
>
> I have a circular bed with about 1800 tulips  that I want to move & have
> started to dig out the tulips  & other bulbs to dry & hold until this
> fall. my question is will they do better if I wash all  the dirt off
> before drying or am I better off leaving the dirt on?
>
> Thanks for all the past & future help.
>
>
> ron
>
> zone 4/5
>
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