Winterizing Perennials

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I would like info on how to winterize qt & gal perennials BEST. I have tried putting them all in our greenhouses and it seems I have alot of loss with employees maybe overwatering or underwatering. Not really sure. The greenhouses are unheated and the plants were left on the retail tables. Would outside be better on the ground? When should they be covered? Heard mice or rats can be problem when covered? How heavy frost cloth? Any guidance appreciated that works great for you. What loss ratio is expected?

[Eric Rohloff]

Looks like you already have most of the information you need.  Here's a little more to fill the gaps.  Cut away any dead or dieing foliage then put the containers on the ground close together. Water thoroughly then make a fungicide spray for Botrytis. Now spread a rodent bait around the edges and Cover with a frost blanket. Monitor moisture levels and water as necessary. 

[[e-mail]]

Thank you... I wasn't sure about the outside watering vs mother nature. I have some inside at the present and some outside I may try and do a trial this year but needed the extra tidbits about watering & frost blankets. Lots looking at the post so I think there is alot of interest in everyones answers.

[Eric Rohloff]

You probably can skip the frost blanket inside but it shouldn't hurt as long as the greenhouse is allowed to stay cold and not heat up during the day.

[Pamela Johnson]

As of today, we still haven't put the frost blankets on yet. Waiting for temps to stay at freezing on a constant basis.(this should stay the same under blanket) Then we will cover and also put greenhouse plastic on top, and then we will seem them in the spring as temps increase.

[Sandy Burrell]

I don't cover mine, I just leave them on the tables but put them real close together. The watering thing is kind of an art form. Most of them need about once every two weeks here during mid winter, a little more often as winter breaks. They seem to be better with less water vs more usually. I open the greenhouses during the day if it's sunny, close them at night. cloudy days are the easiest because you don't have to do anything. Until you get the hang of it, expect some losses, but you'll get better. I'm pretty surprized now if i lose 1/10, unless something gets in there and eats them. I bait mice in all four corners of the greenhouse to help keep them down.