Flower Bulbs: How To Pack And Store Them

If you regularly flaunt the prettiest bed of flowers on the block, you surely have a large stockpile of gardening tools and flower bulbs. When you have to store your belongings in a storage unit while you're in between houses though, your bulbs need special care. If you take the time to pack them properly and pick the right storage unit, your bulbs should stay healthy and be ready to plant when you get settled again.

Things You'll Need

• Shoebox or cardboard
• Clear packing tape
• Scissors
• Hole puncher
• Twine
• Mesh onion bag (or other sort of mesh bag)
• Wooden box or wicker basket

Step 1: Make Tags

Your first step is making labels for all of your bulbs. If available, simply cut the name and picture off of the original packaging and use those. But if the packaging is dirty or damaged, make your own. Get an old shoebox or piece of flexible cardboard and write the name of the flower species on it. You also need to include the growing season and any special planting directions that are on the label. Cut out the makeshift tag and wrap it in clear packing tape to prevent smears and moisture damage. Use your hole puncher to cut out a hole in one end of the tag and set it aside.

Step 2: Bundle Them

Grab a mesh onion bag -- or other sort of mesh bag -- and cut it up into smaller pieces based on how many bulbs of each variety you have. The mesh pieces need to be large enough for you to bundle each set of flower bulbs. Once you have several pieces cut out, lay the bulbs in the middle of each piece and set the corresponding label next to it. Use twine to tie the bundles together. Your bulbs should fit loosely in the mesh pouches, so they don't get damaged. As soon as you have one bundle done, attach the tag to the pouch with twine. Repeat this process for each set of bulbs.

Step 3: Box Them

Place each pouch carefully into a wooden box or old wicker basket. It's important that bulbs get plenty of airflow to minimize mold growth, which is why you don't want to use a cardboard box. You can stack them up inside the box, but you shouldn't stack bundles more than three deep -- bulbs can get crushed under too much weight. 

Step 4: Store Them

Bulbs need to be stored in a cool dark environment. Usually a temperature around 50 degrees Fahrenheit is desired. This is why it's essential to pick the coolest storage unit possible. Talk to local storage companies, like Epic Group Inc to see what they offer. Opt for a climate-controlled unit, so it won't get too hot during summer months. You should also select a space that's in the basement or away from any direct sunlight. When you find the perfect self-storage unit, place your box of bulbs up high to keep pests out and to protect them from getting crushed.