Question
I have two lilac saplings that are about a foot tall & are still in pots.  The spot they were to be planted in is still under going renovation.  I live in Toronto,(zone 5) and am uncertain about what to do with them over this winter.  Should I plant them in the wrong place, only to be dug up in the spring, bury the pot in the ground for easy transplant in the spring or Should I bring them in the house over the winter?

Answer
Hello Sarah

I think at this size your saplings will be safer kept indoors this winter.  Planting them out into the 'wrong' place and then having to dig them up again in the spring would just be too much trauma for them!

They should be kept in an unheated but frost free place - a garage or unheated porch would be ideal.  Light is not important during the winter months as the plants are not in active growth.  Keep the compost just damp, so that the roots do not dry out.

Plant out into their allotted place as soon as it is ready to receive them.

Gill