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If you’re
looking for a way to light up your yard next spring, I’ve got the perfect
answer. Plant spring bulbs! That’s right, plant spring flowering bulbs
such as daffodils, tulips, crocus, hyacinths, alliums, snowdrops and more!
Spring flowering bulbs are planted in the fall, because they need a period
of cold before they will bloom. Planting in October gives them plenty of
time to root in before winter, and of course, winter provides the cold
temperatures.
Now here are a few tips when it comes to
successful spring bulb planting.
1.)
Take a
moment and read the bulb labels. Not all bloom at the same time, so by
proper planning, you’ll be able to extend your spring flowering from late
winter through late spring.
2.)
Once
you’ve decided on the bulbs you’d like, make sure the actual bulbs you chose
are firm, not soft, and look for the largest bulbs. Make sure you mark the
bags so you remember which bulbs are which!
3.)
Plant your
bulbs in an area that receives at least ½ day of full sun. Make sure the
soil is well drained. Bulbs won’t tolerate wet feet. Add Pine Soil
Conditioner as a soil amendment if needed.
4.)
Plant your
bulbs point up. If in doubt, plant the bulb on its side. For the larger
bulbs like tulips and daffs, plant 6-8 inches deep, 6 inches apart. For the
smaller minor bulbs, plant around 4 inches deep, and 4 inches apart. And be
sure to plant your bulbs in masses or natural patterns, not in rows like
little toy soldiers.
5.) Be sure to feed your new bulbs with a good bulb food like
Espoma’s Bulb Food, which can be
sprinkled into the hole, or over the top.
6.)
Once
you’re finished planting, be sure to water your bulbs thoroughly. If it
stays dry through the fall, you’ll need to water the bulbs really well,
about every 10 days until we get close to Christmas.
If
squirrels and rodents have been a problem for your newly planted bulbs, try
some of the rodent repellents, or placing chicken wire over top of the
planting areas, or just forget all the other bulbs and only plant Fritilaria
and daffodils. Rodents don’t like them, and guess what? Neither do the
deer! |
