Tuesday, October 2, 2012

Planting Bulbs




Bulbs should be planted when the ground is cool, usually around the first frost when the temperature is between 40 to 50 degrees and about six weeks before the ground freezes.
Bulbs can be stored longer as long as they are kept in a cool, damp place. Make sure they end up in the garden though, they will not last until next season. Also, there is no way to tell the difference between the colors, so keep an eye on labels when arranging them in your garden. Bulbs don’t like to be wet, so be aware of where they are planted and make sure they have good drainage. Try to avoid any place where water can collect, such as the bottom of a hill. Also, when deciding where to plant your bulbs it’s good to keep in mind that they like the sun. 

The biggest thing you need to know: plant the pointy side up! The pointed end should be obvious on most bulbs. Either way, most bulbs flowers find it’s way to the top. Bigger bulbs should be planted about 8 inches deep while smaller bulbs should be about 5 inches. Fertilizer isn’t necessary for first year bulbs to grow.  For bulbs that are coming up for their second year, spread a natural or organic fertilizer, such as compost or manure.
Just remember to plant bulbs in clusters. Try planting shorter bulbs in front of taller ones and experiment with a variety of colors. Use your imagination and be creative! They are guaranteed to be a beautiful spring display!