Chestnuts in sound condition when stored may be kept fit for eating or
planting for several months by any one of several methods. When
available, cold storage with temperatures somewhat above freezing is the
simplest and generally the most satisfactory method. Stratifying method.
Stratifying in a wire-mesh container buried deeply in moist but
well-drained sand is very satisfactory and successful. Another method is
to hold the nuts in a tightly closed tin container either in a
refrigerator or in cold storage at 32 deg. F. Burying under a porch or in
the shade of a house or even in a bin of grain, preferably wheat or rye,
is also a good method. Regardless, however, of temperature or other
conditions, germination is likely to begin in early March and nuts
intended for planting should be hastened into the ground as promptly as
possible after that time.