Overwintering Germinated Apple Seedlings Indoors: Garage, Not House

**Do not keep in heated house**—low humidity + heat = desiccation/death.

Garage Protocol (Correct)

• **Temperature:** 35–45°F (cool, above freezing).
• **Light:** None needed (dormant).
• **Water:** Check weekly. **Moisten only if top ½ in. dry.** No standing water.
• **Pots:** Current tiny pots OK until spring.

Spring Transition

1. **After last frost:** Move to **shade outdoors** (1 week), then part sun.
2. **Up-pot** when roots fill container (1 gal next).
3. **Plant in ground** at 12 in. tall.
4. **No fertilizer until actively growing in ground.**

Reality Check

Seedling apples = **wild types**, not true to parent. Fruit quality unpredictable. But great learning project!