First off don't put them in too early. Wait until you've had several hard frosts and you are sure they are completely dormant. I prefer to put the pots up on something so they are off the concrete floor. Mine seem to do better that way. I found that the cement seemed to suck moisture out of the pots drying them out too much. You don't need to wrap them or anything. The only thing you need to do is keep them watered all winter long. I know it sounds weird but they're dormant not dead and they still need water. About once a month give them a good drink. If I have snow I will put a shovel of snow on the tops of the pots every time I shovel. If it doesn't snow I use a gallon milk jug and give them each a gallon of water each month through out the entire winter. In the spring you kind of have to watch them carefully. If it's getting too warm inside the garage during the day and they begin to leaf out you may have to pull them out but if it's going to freeze at night you'll need to put them back inside. It can be a pain to have to keep doing that but it's for the best in the long run.

Hope that helps!

Some people cover there garage windows so the light doesn't kick-start the roses to grow.

This post was edited by jim1961 on Thu, Sep 26, 13 at 10:35

I overwinter many in the garage. I believe the rule is 3 nights of 32 in a row before they are brought in. Usually after thanksgiving in my zone.I have a garden trolley so I can bring them in and out in early winter and spring. I keep them off of the cement but I believe there is no real reason for this via MichaelG. I keep them in a corner away from the windows, bit there is still diffused light. I also water once a month. If they begin to sprout too early it is the soft green growth, and I pinch it off before the official outdoor growing season begins. You should also be aware of aphids and such in the spring and treat accordingly. The most important thing about dormancy for any rose is making sure it is as healthy as possible before it goes to sleep....and prayer...lol. I try to mimic the weather for dormancy minus the gruesome temps and gale force winds.

This post was edited by susan4952 on Thu, Sep 26, 13 at 22:54