Plant Spring-Flowering Bulbs
|
| Yellow irises are a cheerful addition to the spring garden. |
By Jenny Peterson
Remember last spring when you saw that great display of tulips and daffodils in your neighbor's garden, and you vowed to add some bulbs to your own garden? Well, now's the time. Every garden should have some bulbs—they are easy to plant and grow, and for the money spent, give the most bang for the buck. Here's how to do it:
Know your area's average freeze date
Some regions never have frozen ground, while others expect it every winter. You'll want to plant your bulbs six weeks before that date, or when the soil temperature is about 60 degrees F. In most areas this will be in September or October. Check with your county extension service for the date in your area.
Choose your bulbs
Plant masses of one type of bulb, or drifts of several different varieties. Choose from tulips, hyacinths, daffodils, crocus, alliums, gladiolus, Dutch iris, and amaryllis.
Choose your location
With most bulbs, the more sun, the better. There are some that will tolerate a bit of shade, but in general, choose a spot in your garden that is sunny and has well-drained soil.
Dig and plant
Dig a trench or a hole—trenches are more efficient for planting many bulbs, while individual holes work better for smaller plantings. Dig the hole or trench about three times as deep as the width of the bulb—for example, a 2-inch-wide bulb should be planted 6 inches deep. Place the bulb in "root" side up, replace the soil over the bulb, and gently tamp down. Water the bulbs in, and then water regularly for the next five to six weeks. About one month after planting, add 3 inches of mulch to protect your bulbs from freezing. Nothing more is needed until spring, when your bulbs will burst into bloom.
All articles in this category:
March 16, 2012
Early-Spring Soil Prep
The first step to preparing a new garden bed is to kill the existing vegetation in that area.
February 24, 2012
Garden Tool Checklist
It's not necessary to own every trendy or intricate tool on the market, but there are some basic tools that every gardener should have on hand.
January 4, 2012
Reusing Your Holiday Tree
If you have a fresh-cut holiday tree and fresh boughs, there are some good uses for them after the holidays that will help your garden, the birds, and the environment.
December 10, 2011
Getting Tools Ready for Winter
One of the often-forgotten tasks for this time of year is cleaning and sharpening your hand tools.
November 8, 2011
Plant Spring-Flowering Bulbs
Every garden should have some bulbs—they are easy to plant and grow, and for the money spent, give the most bang for their buck.
October 4, 2011
Mulch Options for the Home Gardener
Some options are a bit creative while others give a nod to sustainability.
September 9, 2011
Vegetable Rotation Tips and Tricks
Seasoned vegetable gardeners know the benefits of rotating their crops.
August 5, 2011
Coping with Summer Heat in the Garden
Summer does get a little hard on plants, so you'll have to take extra care to make sure they perform until August or September.
July 1, 2011
Summer Plant Care
Summer does get a little hard on plants, so you'll have to take extra care to make sure they perform until August or September.
June 10, 2011
Improve Your Garden Soil
If you want your plants to grow and thrive, start with great soil.
May 12, 2011
The Art of Shopping for Plants
Avoid going home from the nursery with "one of these" and "ten of those" that don't fit any nook or cranny of your garden.
Repairing Winter-Damaged Evergreen Shrubs
In spring you may notice yellow or brown evergreen leaves or needles on plants such as rhododendrons, Alberta spruce, and cypress.
Looking for a last minute gift idea?
Personalize, Email and Print instantly!
Behind the Scenes
