I have access to a nursery that sells end of season (out of season) stock at 90 - 99 % off their retail value. I have some items in various stages of growth and I'm wondering what others would do in my situation. Here are my options:
Here's a sample of what I have right now:
Early Amethyst start (6 inch pot) with tender leaves (
out of all of the plants, this one must not die.)
bareroot hibiscus (probably 2-3 years old)
hibiscus start (6 in pot) with tender leaves
bareroot peony (Gardenia) that has started to break dormancy
bareroot iris (Shaker's prayer)
fritillaria bulb
Temps. are forecasted to be mostly in the high to low 40's (with some high to low 50's) during the day and low 30's to high 20's at night for the next 15 days. Precipitation in the form of rain or snow every 3-4 days on average. Humidity mainly mid to low 70's and high 60's.
Here are my options:
1. Potted and placed in outdoor unheated
greenhouse made from 16mm twin wall polycarbanate (
temps. will be 40-60 degrees in there for at least the next 2-3 weeks). I also have the ability to add another layer of protection by putting them in a low tunnel made from the same materials that can be further insulated with
wood chip mulch.
I don't believe that the temps would fall below 25-30 degrees for the entire winter in that setting.
2. Outdoor unheated hoop house (4 mil
greenhouse plastic). Can be potted or put in ground. Poly low tunnel with mulch can also be used in here. Not sure of temps with this option.
3. Outdoor wood chip based nursery, plants can go in ground, or in pot and be covered with wood chips. I do not believe that the ground freezes in this area due to the amount of wood chips that are in the area. Poly low tunnel with mulch can also be used in this setting.
4. Potted and put in heated indoor grow room with artificial lighting (last resort, don't want to use the space if not needed). Temps. are usually between 68 and 75 in this room.
Any other options that you all can think of? What do you all think is the best option?