Wait until they turn brown then dug them up and removed the tops at that time and store in a dark dry cool location then re-plant them next spring. We use to dig them up and leave them on the ground to dry out completely before removing the tops and storing them away. We only put them into a bushel basket and placed them in our cellar for the winter.

Wait until they are mostly brown and dead then trim off the stalks and carefully dig up the crowns with as much damp soil as you can with each one. They should be transplanted to the new location now. That means the new bed has to be ready for them before you dig them up. Then mulch them well in the new bed, feed them well in the spring, and give them a no-harvest year next spring to recover. Dave

The plant called geraniums that is grown as a bedding annual is actually a pelargonium. There was a mix-up back when old Linnaeus was running around naming things, and the name stuck ;-) Pelargoniums are annuals in the north, as a hard freeze will kill them. I keep some old blankets and sheets around, and just watch the forecasts. 'Pellies' aren't sissies about the cold though, they will do fine through a light frost with a blanket. I extend the season in the fall with blankets too. They just grow much slower when it is chilly. They also don't like it too hot either, by the way. Mine suffer a bit when it gets in the mid-high nineties. True geraniums are hardy perennials, many are native to North America. There is some similarities to the leaves, and the flower shape between the two species. But, pelargoniums are native to Africa, where they are perennials, and succulents at that. Both are great plants. Both get discussed on this forum. It is a bit confusing at first. If you overwintered yours in the house, you have pelargoniums. :-) The FAQs on this forum has a better explanation of the name mix-up than I gave. I can hardly wait to put my pellies outside for the year. :-) Oh, and I'm just a gardener out to learn. More knowledgeable posters, please correct anything that I was incorrect about.

Red Geraniums in Tin Cans I started my bright red geraniums from seed. Sprouted next to a wood stove in winter. I have them on the semi-shade patio in the summer but here in AZ, I bring them inside to bloom all winter in front of a huge SE facing window. This year broad mites attacked. I thought it was cultural, so repotted, fertilized. let dry out, watered more. By the time I realized MITES, the plant's leaves were twisted, discolored and the flower/tips were stunted. I dipped the plant, pot and all in 110 degree water for 15 minutes. I removed all flowers, bud and leaves. Bare Stalks! I put them outside on the patio and LO..new growth, bright green and even a flower stalk forming. I am going to remove that stalk to let the plant develop its roots and leaves but I am so pleased. Indestructible! I have plants that were more exotic and valuable but those geraniums, my favorite leafy pets!