Evan this is my first year for the TWL I have heard that you can store them in plastic bags with a little damp sand. I will try that method and see how they do for me. This is my 3rd year for the Portadoras and they get bigger every year. From the tip to the bottom of the lopes most of them measure around 3ft a little less or more. The biggest is 43inches. Yes I am in zone 6 not sure A or B the maps always show the line as running pretty close to our area.