[rowlandwells]

we didn't have a lot of luck keeping our fuchsias and geraniums last winter but as winter draws near we need to think about storing our fuchsias and geraniums we usually put them in the cold greenhouse in there pots but I'm told to put them in deep trays of peat and keep them on the dry side till spring

we don't really want to loose any them as we have had a lovely show with both our fuchsias and geraniums this year with the ones we bought in although we will be getting some new varieties next year to add to our collection so its important we try to keep this years fuchsias for next year

I was thinking about putting both fuchsias and our geraniums in the poly tunnel rather than the greenhouse may keep better under polythene?

so any advise would be most appreciated to keep both for next season RW

[mumofstig]

Polytunnels seem to be more humid than greenhouses, so more prone to fungal diseases IMO.

I like you, just move them in their pots into the cold greenhouse and keep them on the dry side, barely watering at all. That seems to work for me.. 

[rowlandwells]

you could be rite there Mum although i think it was more of a fungal disease that finished them of in the cold greenhouse maybe a covering with fleece would help to save the day?

I looked up the geraniums we bought in last year 104  plugs so I really need to keep them if poss because the price of plug plant have gone through the roof this year I dare not tell you what our plant order is costing us next year and that's not including geraniums 

[Growster...]

We'll be doing exactly the same here, Rowland, but we do have a small heater in the GH to obviate frost. They aren't covered in any way.

We lost about a quarter of our fuchsias last year, but oddly enough, most of the geraniums survived, and we could get them out for a display before the plug plants got going!

I hope we can do the same this year, as we invested in a lot of new fuchsias this year, so fingers crossed for a better winter and spring next year!

Never thought about humidity in polytunnels Mum, it's an interesting take! GHs are usually pretty draughty - well ours is!

[rowlandwells]

yep it seems a general consensus of opinion that one should go with the greenhouse to overwinter not sure about the heater Growster because there quite large greenhouses and it mite not make that much difference but may be worth a try paraffin gas ore electric heater?

we have also invested in a lot of new fuchsias for next year they are all basket varieties blue eyes-blue Sara-dark eyes +2 more varieties that where slightly dearer buds of may Anthea and purple fountains

like most things there is a price increase from from last year 

[mrs bouquet]

I have always put mine in the unheated g/house, pots and all.  But this year, they are all diseased that I am throwing them away, soil as well.  The only one that has done ok is the one planted in a flower bed.  Good Luck.   Mrs Bouquet

[rowlandwells]

sorry to hear that Mrs B by the way where the Fuchsias  named varieties F1's? in the pots and do i take it they got disease in the greenhouse or after taking out of the greenhouse?  including the one I assume you planted out in the flower bed

have you any idea what mite have caused this to happen because that's very disappointing news to loose all but one I would certainly not be happy if that happened to us that's why I am looking at ways to save our fuchsias if possible overwinter

hope you have better luck next year with your fuchsias assuming your going to replace

[mrs bouquet]

Hi, I only had summer geraniums.  It took me about a month to find out it is geranium rust.  So all gone now, next year I shall try something different.    I was told that is you have diseased soil, you can clean it up by using soluable aspirin watered in.  Mrs B

[Growster...]

I was told that is you have diseased soil, you can clean it up by using soluable aspirin watered in.

It's a product of willow - salicylic acid - and can also defend tomatoes from blight, I use it every year for toms, but it makes sense to use it if a similar issue is around!

I mix one tablet per squeezy washing up bottle...

[mrs bouquet]

I forgot a Fuschia I bought in September at a Specialist and rare Plants Fair.   It is a Fuschia Microphylus.
It has tiny leaves and is a mass of weeny really pretty red flower.    It is hardy and in the ground can grow to 3ft, perhaps smaller in a container.  That is the extent of my Fuschia Family.   Mrs B

[mumofstig]

I've just dug out the last half barrel, by the front door - 3 fuchsias potted up and moved to the greenhouse, plus a begonia corm which is now humongous 
Topped up with fresh compost and a little fertiliser and planted red multi-headed tulips and wallflowers.
Didn't need to water them because it started to rain, just as I finished.

[wighty]

Geraniums are a lot hardier than we think or are told, I left mine out last year and they've been really good this year.  I've always repotted and moved  both my geraniums and fuchsias into the greenhouse (unheated).  I often lost a lot of them but since I've not been 'bothered' I do better.  (My milder weather here on the south coast might help.)