Want a Stunning and Low Maintenence Spring Show?
Then you'd better get planting now!
Plant spring-flowering bulbs (scilla, allium, tulip, fritillary, hyacinth,
crocus, snowdrop) in the fall. This gives them time to adequately
chill before rolling out their spectacular show the following spring. Plant
spring-blooming bulbs too early and they won’t bloom; plant too late and
they won’t take root and establish. Ideally, bulbs should be planted at
least six weeks before the ground freezes, when temperatures are cool. In
the upper Midwest, for instance, that could be from about late September
through mid-November. See the chart below to find out when to plant your spring
blooming bulbs.
How to Choose Spring Bulbs
When buying bulbs at your local garden center, give them a good once-over. Make sure they are firm—avoid bulbs that are mushy, have moldy spots, bugs or a slimy film. Also, choose the largest bulbs in the variety you’re after, as those tend to be reliable bloomers.
Prepare the Soil
Break up any clumps, remove rocks and weeds, and improve drainage and overall quality by mixing in organic matter such as compost or peat moss. The easiest way to do this is to dig one large hole instead of several individual ones. Then mix in amendments all at once.
Check packaging for specific planting instructions. If unsure, dig a hole that’s two to three times deeper than the bulb’s height. For example, plant a 2-inch-high bulb about 6 inches deep.
Plant bulbs pointy side up, roots down. But whatever side is up, it will most likely find its way through the soil in spring. Add compost, organic matter or slow-releasing fertilizer. After planting, tamp down the soil lightly. Give the freshly planted bulbs a good soak, cover with a couple of inches of mulch, and say sayonara until spring!
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Happy Gardening!
Website created by Kate DiAntonio