Oct

15

Planting Bulbs for the Spring

Posted by maureen

October 15, 2007 |

 

Bulbs are a great asset to any garden and can be planted in flower beds or containers, or “naturalized” (grown randomly) for a natural effect. In fact you can have bulbs blooming from early spring to late fall to provide color and interest year to year.

 

Planting Bulbs

You can plant daffodils, tulips, crocus and other spring-blooming bulbs from September to November. I have found a great selection of fresh bulbs at my local garden center and through catalogs in the mail.

There are a few things to remember when planting bulbs. As a general rule, plant small (grape or cherry sized ) bulbs about 2in.deep and 3 to 5 in. apart, and large (walnut-or egg-size) bulbs 4 to 6 inch deep and 6 to 10 inch apart.red_tulips.jpg

For naturalizing planting the bulbs should be spaced randomly. There is no doubt that many popular bulbs like daffodils and tulips look spectacular in mass planting and so don’t be afraid to mix and match. Equally effective is a mass of bulbs grown informally in grass. For a large area cut and peel back the turf with a spade and turn over the soil and plant the bulbs. Fill in with organic material and fold back the turf.

Bulbs should be planted with the pointed tips up and the base (where the roots grow from) down. Usually, it is fairly easy to distinguish one from the other but even if you get it wrong they will often right themselves and be none the worse for the wear.two_tulip_bulbs.jpg

  • Spring-flowering bulbs thrive in full or partial sun.
  • After choosing the site, dig a hole or trench large enough for several bulbs. Bulbs are most effective when planted in bunches.
  • Cover bulbs with soil and water generously.

You don’t actually need to apply fertilizer at bulb planting time However, for bulbs that will stay in place for a number of seasons, enrich the soil in the planting area with good organic compost and work it into the soil when planting. You can also use a slow-release bulb food when planting.

One of the things I always look forward to doing is to plant bulbs in containers for a bright and cheerful beginning to the spring. Almost any containers will work and generally I like to plant bulbs close together without touching. They can be mixed with other plants, such as primroses, pansies and azaleas and look splendid in woven baskets in the spring.

For another interesting effect try laying bulbs in a wooden tub. You can layer daffodils at the bottom, tulips in the middle and grape hyacinths on the top. Begin by planting the first layer about 4 in deep and add potting soil leaving the tips exposed. Next, plant the second layer above the gaps in the lower layer. Repeat the process for the third layer and cover with soil

Generally, I like to use a planting trowel but if you are planting a large number of bulbs (for naturalizing or mass displays) a long handled bulb planter will be invaluable. They will take out and hold the plug of turf (or earth) while you plant.

The only problems I have with the bulbs are the squirrels! Squirrels consider tulips and crocuses tasty treats, but fortunately, find daffodils unappetizing. Squirrels often discover the bulbs when they are burying their nuts. So you have to try to outsmart them! I always try to firm the soil down well and throw a few leaves on top so the soils not soft. To be honest though I usually have to put chicken wire on top of the pots and containers and anchor it to prevent them from pilfering. The squirrels don’t like digging through the mesh and I usually remove after the ground begins to freeze.


Comments

1 Comment so far

  1. wedding supplies on October 17, 2007 1:30 pm

    Thanks for the info and reminder. With the lack of rain we’ve had I’ve been so focused on trees and grass that I’d forgotten about bulbs.

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