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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 mid to late 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.)
Make sure
the 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 at least ½ day of full sun. and in well drained soil.
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.) Feed your new bulbs with a good bulb food like Espoma’s Bulb Food,
and 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 about every 10 days or so 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 just daffodils. Rodents don’t like them, and
guess what? Neither do the deer! |
