Tuberous begonias are a wonderful flowering plant for folks with shady areas that could benefit from some flowering color that will last right up until first frost. As the name implies these begonias grow from tubers rather than seeds or cuttings like other begonias. They sport showy flowers that come in a wide range of sizes and colors. There are even hanging varieties. Besides being a great choice for planting directly in soil, many varieties of tuberous begonias are happy to grow in containers that you can place about the shady patio or balcony. Since tuberous begonias are slow to start, it’s best to start them indoors during February through mid-March. It’s also a great winter activity for the desperate northeastern gardener who’s yearning for the feel of soil and the sight of something…anything that’s growing. To make a good show in the garden, you’ll want to start several begonia tubers. The best way to do this is to start them in a shallow 11” by 22” seed tray. First, fill the tray with a good STERILE potting soil that’s high in peat content. You should be able to start ten or so tubers in a single tray. When you’re picking out your tubers at the garden center, pick out the largest ones. You’ll notice that the lumpy round tubers are domed on one side and slightly dished on the other. The dished side of the tuber is the top. Starting them is a snap. Simply nestle each tuber into the soil, dished side up, into your soil-filled tray just level with the surface of the soil. You can cover the top of the tuber but not with more than a quarter of an inch of soil. Moisten the soil with room temperature water. If the tray you’re using has no holes for drainage, be careful. Begonias will rot easily if kept too moist so, take it easy. The soil wants to be just lightly moist; not soggy wet. It’s best to use a tray with holes so that excess water will drain away. A tray without holes under the tray with the tubers will prevent damage to wood surfaces and allows removal of excess water in case you overdo it. After the initial watering, you shouldn’t water again until you see signs of growth or the soil is actually dry. You can cover your tuber-filled tray with newspaper or a plastic sheet to hold in humidity to speed sprouting but remove it immediately at the first sign of growth. Depending on the variety you’ve chosen, sprouts will appear from one to five week after planting and watering. Once the first shoots appear, make sure that you keep the soil from drying out; still avoiding sogginess since begonia tubers can rot easily if kept too moist.  After five or six leaves have developed, it’s time to transplant them into larger pots. If you plan on growing them in containers all summer, this would be the time to plant them into their “display pots”. They’ll need lots of bright light but no direct sunlight. You can speed them along with HALF strength balanced (20-20-20) liquid or soluble plant food every two weeks (no, more isn’t better).  Once ALL danger of frost has passed in spring (late May to you) you can transplant them into their summer bed. I like to cover mine for a few days with horticultural fabric to allow them to get used to outdoor light after growing indoors. Remember, they prefer shade so make sure they don’t get direct sunlight. An hour of the day’s first rays won’t hurt them but avoid any afternoon sun completely. Now all they need is a little of the liquid plant food every couple of weeks and regular removal of spent flowers and they’ll just go and go. Since begonia tubers are quite tender, you’ll want to lift them from the soil immediately after the first frost nips them in fall. There’s no sin in taking them out a bit before frost gets them. Better safe than sorry. Snip off all the stems and place the tubers on a sheet of newspaper to dry. Brush off any loose soil and dust them with a good bulb dust to help prevent mold. Place them into a shoebox of sterile potting soil for winter storage. Store them in a cool place that won’t freeze. Get them out next February and start all over again. If you never have, give tuberous begonias a try. They’re easy to start and you’ll have fun playing in the dirt as we wait for the frozen world outside to thaw.