Well, this is iffy, IMO. You can try to put the pots in an unheated garage for the winter. Leave the foliage on them as is for now. Take them out in spring, cut them back, and pinch back a few times before July to promote a fuller plant. I say it's iffy because I guess I'm a bit cynical too, lol. It used to be that almost every mum I got in fall, when either overwintered in the garage or planted in the ground, used to come back and grow and bloom. But it seems in the last oh, say five years, the mums - which by the way, seem to come out in stores in July now, lol! - the mums just aren't as hardy as they used to be. I'm referring to the mums one buys in the fall. If you want mums that will really last and grow, try buying them in spring and plant then. You can plant in pots if you'd like, and plop them on the front porch at the appropriate time, but if they are spring planted they are usually hardier. But, I would still try to overwinter the ones you have now. I still try. What have you got to lose, except the mums, lol, but if the alternative is to toss them anyway....? Good luck! :) Dee

I know summer is still in full swing, but I know I'll forget to ask later on. So while I still remember and have time, I wanted to know if anyone stored used potting soil in a root pouch/smart pots on a fire escape over winter. I would like to reuse the soil and from reading online here and elsewhere most people seem to leave the soil in the container used outside. The problem is I used unglazed terra cotta containers which I know I'll have to store indoors to prevent damage from the cold. Since I planned to purchase a root pouch/smart pot to use next year, I figured I could purchase one now, store the soil in it and have it ready for use come spring. My questions are: If using a root pouch/smart pot, did you cover the top from the elements or do anything in particular to keep pests out? Is it possible to add used coffee grounds/mulch/etc to the soil to compost over winter in these conditions? Is it advised in this case or foolhardy because of potential vermin and pests? Anything in particular to know or consider? Thanks.

@Sheila & vaporvac - thanks for responding, so I was thinking on the right track. We are still having temperature fluctuations, but even with some nightly lows being slightly below freezing it's not bad now. I was more concerned about sunburning the poor plant. I have a spot that is sheltered & shady, that gets a little sun. I guess I'll start there. I can bring it in and out of the shade to sun as needed. If this survives, it may open up a whole new potted series of all the roses that I have not been able to grow in my cold zone!

I would think the bags would last longer if you emptied them for Winter, but fabric bags probably will survive a couple Winters, depends on how well they are made. Depends on what is more important, the bags or the soil? Buying potting soil is a high cost. You can always buy new fabric bags if they fail, but that costs also. You still have to breakup and fluff the potting soil in the Spring since the roots grow into the fabric. Could save potting soil in a 30g trash can, keep dry, then reuse. Or dump the potting soil into garden beds to break down.