winter potting

Arnold, I am about 130 miles I believe from the
canadian border in the Red River Valley (border of
North Dakota and Minnesota).

We are in an interesting location.  The winters are
quite cold (-40 degrees on many occasions in january).
 Also extremely windy.  -60 to -80 degree windchill at
times.  Wind is always blowing quite strong.  So
strong, that our 40 80 foot long beds have little
snowcover no matter the snowfall.  This makes us cover
all 90,000 plants or so with flax straw which is
absolutely perfect for covering iris in the winter.

Being in the valley, the cold central canadian weather
goes right down the valley to hit us.  So, just 30
miles east and west of us are 5 degree to 10 degree
difference in temperatures oftentimes.

Our soil is heavy red river clay gumbo we like to call
it.  it becomes literally concrete if left alone and
can be mistaken for a rock.  Water just pools on it
and promotes rot.

However, we have a fairly good growing season, as the
warmer South Dakota weather comes up the valley and
our flowering crabapple trees easily bloom 2 weeks
before people 30-40 miles east or west of us.

So, that is our climate, only plants that can survive
zone 2 or 3 winters make it here.  Zone 4 fruit trees,
etc.  don't at all.

This is where I'd like to figure a way to winter over
2-3,000 6 inch pots of iris. 

I have thought about making a giant sandbox and
planting the pots in the sand to the rim and covering
everything with flax.

The reason for the pots if you're wondering is the
large amount people wanting plants immediately and to
bring the pots to seminars and things in the spring we
attend and have tables.

Any ideas or experiences trying this are appreciated,

Joe


		
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