Spring Bulbs

[Common_Clay]

Hi all,
     I was wondering what everyone else uses for storing spring bulbs if not left in the ground? I have some daffodils and tulips that I would like to lift to free up some space for vegetables but don't know what the best way of storing them is. Are hessian sacks good for this? I'm worried they're going to rot because there are quite a lot of them (would I need to store in more bags?) and the only place I can really think to keep them is in the garage, which will get very hot in the summer.
  Also, I've been told that I can lift my daffs now, although the leaves are still green and standing... I thought they had to die down first? It has been around six weeks since they finished flowering.
  I lifted one to have a look, what would I do with the root bits at the bottom, do I need to leave them out to dry or something?
 
  Sorry for the questions, never done this before and can't find the search button on here.

;D ;D ;D

[Common_Clay]

[Palustris]

If you really must lift your bulbs then 6 weeks after flowering finished is ok. Dig them up and lay them out somewhere to dry off. If you have ever grown onions then the same method can be used. Once the foliage and roots are dry then gently clean off any dried remains and soil. Try not to damage the bulb skin. Tulips should be looked at for aphids under the skin. They will survive all summer by drinking the sap from the bulb and eventually weaken it badly. Any mouldy bulbs should be discarded. Hessian sacks are fine, but a dark cool spot is better than a hot garage.

[Deeds]

The string bags like you get onions in are even better, as Eric says,they need to be stored  somewhere cool, dry,dark and airy.  They are far better left in situ though.

[MrsKP]

i have got absolutely loads that i had to lift (and more but i'm running out of drying room) and at the moment they're just lying all over the shed getting in my way.

what would happen if i stuck them back in the ground now ?  would it be certain death and a total waste of time ?  i know where their permanent home will be but i can see them all getting recycled if i trip over them one more time.

[Palustris]

Never tried that, but as long as where you are putting them is not prone to waterlogging then you could get away with it.  I am not sure I would want to take the risk myself though.
Interesting to see what other peeps have done.

[Common_Clay]

Thanks for all the advice everyone... one question though, where on earth can I get onion bags from? A google search and an eBay search produces very little...  ???

[saddad]

If you still have a local greengrocer, or shop that sells some veg., they are usually more than willing to give them away! Local veg stall on market similarly!
;D

[Jill]

CC send me a PM with your addy and I'll send you a couple I have spare.

[Common_Clay]

Thanks a lot Jill, PM'd you with address...

Our local green grocers is Tesco Express!