Question
QUESTION: Hi,
I have some beautiful hanging geraniums that i would like to
keep over the winter. I was told i could leave them in a
garage with windows and they would survive. Would they need
water? I live in Ohio. The temperature can drop to -10 below
0. I tried bringing these plants in the house last year but
they were way too messy.
thanks

ANSWER: Hello Pam

The lowest temperature needed to keep frost tender plants just 'ticking over' during the winter is 45F (7C).  If your garage can be kept no lower than this temperature, there is no reason why your geraniums shouldn't survive the winter there.

Water them just enough to keep the compost damp - maybe twice a week at first and later reduce to once a week - though after a while you will learn by experience how long it takes for the compost to feel dry to the touch.  Do not let the compost get so dry that the plants begin to wilt - they can be very unforgiving!

As a matter of interest - in what way were the plants 'messy' last year?  I may be able to suggest ways of solving the problem - or at least minimizing it.

Gill

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I had them hanging on a shower hook in my bathroom. It has a
huge south facing window. The leaves were constantly dropping.
A big mess in my bathtub.  

Answer
Hello again Pam

I think that huge south facing window could have been the problem.  I bet that room gets really warm when the sun is shining straight into it?  That would certainly make the leaves wilt and drop off!

A room with good light, but no direct sunlight would have been better.

If the temperature in the garage does drop below 45F for more than a couple of days, it might be an idea to have somewhere indoors to put the plants until the temperature rises again.

Gill