Source: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf31214696.tip.html

Storing Bulbs

Q: I cut down my beautiful elephant ears and purple cannas yesterday, I know they have to dry before I store them but my question is what should I store them in? Some of the elephant ears bulbs were about 9 inches around at the bottom, so they are pretty big. Any suggestions? How do you store yours and can I store the Elephant Ear and cannas together?

Hardiness Zone: 6b

Thanks,
Chas from WV

A: Chas,

I store my bulbs (and various other flower seeds) in the drawers of an old dresser in the basement. It's provides plenty of cool, dark space, and keeps things not-too-dry and not-too-moist (and quite tidy). I line the drawers with a little newspaper and fill the "bulb" drawers with an inch or two of slightly moist peat moss to keep bulbs from drying out.

You can keep these bulb types together because they have similar storage requirement and both do well at 45°F to 50°F. If you don't have an old dresser use a shallow under-the-bed plastic storage bin (without the cover), a burlap sack, or a bushel basket. Plastic organizer towers with pull out drawers would work also, providing you make modifications for air circulation. Cover the bulbs with sphagnum moss or sawdust to keep them from drying out. Check them periodically for shriveling and add a little moisture to plump them back up if necessary. Don't store them more than 2 deep, especially if yours are really big, or they will generate enough heat to cause decay.

About The Author:
Ellen Brown is our Green Living and Gardening Expert. Click here to ask Ellen a question! Ellen Brown is an environmental writer and photographer and the owner of Sustainable Media, an environmental media company that specializes in helping businesses and organizations promote eco-friendly products and services. Contact her on the web at http://www.sustainable-media.com

Source: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf31214696.tip.html

Disclaimer: ThriftyFun.com cannot accept any responsibility for any injury or damage that you may cause to yourself, others, or property when following any advice given on this site. Read the full disclaimer: http://www.thriftyfun.comdisclaimer.ldml If you find any information on ThriftyFun.com or in our newsletters that is either erroneous and/or potentially harmful to others, please Contact Us, immediately.