Susan, I want to remind you that I live about 2 hours east of James. I had the winter he had.
Jan, I too, noticed that winter is not as much a killer as spring. Growing hostas in pots has given a lot of data on the causes of grown rot.
Last summer I asked about light needed in a cold greenhouse because I planed on storing potted daylilies there for the winter. Some members, instead of answering my question, questioned why I decided to pot them in the first place, instead of planting in the ground, and further questioned why I would place them in a greenhouse.
Because of my experiences in my miniscule part of this country, I knew that newly planted daylilies might not survive. Since I bought plants into October, I was sure they would not have enough time to acclimate, and therefore, would not survive.
I have over 250 potted daylilies in the greenhouse that will be planted in their permanent locations as soon as the ground is warm enough. The dormants went dormant for less than three months, and the others grew beautifully and increased. All plants are growing well and now, more than ever, I am glad I followed my plans.
I still have some ice and snow over parts of the beds, and I can see a little greenery under the mulch. I do not move the mulch until I see at least three inches above the mulch. The mulch will be moved about six to eight inches away from the root base.
