How do I store lily bulbs over winter? I have had trouble with lily beetle this summer , is there any way to prevent this problem next year?

"CarolBarlow" wrote


How do I store lily bulbs over winter? I have had trouble with lily
beetle this summer , is there any way to prevent this problem next year?

I assume you are in the UK. Usually gardeners in the UK leave the lily bulbs
in the soil permanently. They hate being lifted and dry out damaging them.
In the spring you have to ensure new growth is not damaged by slugs as it
emerges. Lily Beetle is an annual war now, I usually pick them off daily as
being bright red they are easy to see. Their larvae are more difficult and
do more damage and cover themselves with their own poo so look like a bird
dropping but usually underneath a half eaten leaf. If you get to the stage
where they are everywhere, or you don't fancy picking them off, it isn't
nice, then spray with a suitable chemical and a systemic is best.
--
Regards. Bob Hobden.
Posted to this Newsgroup from the W of London, UK