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YOUR GARDEN READY BULBS
Hardy bulbs or tall bulbs are those which will
successfully survive severe winter cold, staying in the ground all winter.
They are usually given the same sort of treatment as perennial plants.
Crocuses, daffodils, tulips and hyacinths are some familiar fall bulbs.
DESIGN YOUR GARDEN
Take time to plan your garden and remember that the
bulbs will have the most dramatic visual impact when planted in groups or
waves. For smaller plantings, use groups of odd numbers (5-7-9, etc.). Another
less formal method is to simply take a number of the bulbs in hand and toss
them over your shoulder. This 'natural' approach is ideal for narcissus and
the smaller bulbs including crocus, snowdrops, aconite, grape hyacinths,
and squill. Plant your bulbs with the proper orientation. The top of the
bulb should face skyward. On most bulbs and corms there is a distinctive
"ring" on the bottom.
WHERE TO PLANT
Bulbs are largely undemanding plants and most adapt well
to diverse conditions. One cardinal rule should be observed: plant them in
soil that is welldrained. Check the proposed planting site for standing
water after a rainfall. If you must plant where soil is known to remain
wet, raise the soil level in the bed by 6-12" above the surrounding
soil.
Most bulbs thrive in full sun but will tolerate partial shade if they
receive 5-6 hours of light each day.
- Take the time to
properly prepare the planting site. This is especially important in
areas of new construction or new gardens.
- Bulbs thrive in
well-drained soils. Ideally, the soil should be tilled or worked to a
depth of 10-12". When planting smaller bulbs such as crocus and
snowdrops, a depth of 6-8" is suitable.
- Till or turn the
soil in the area where you will plant; rake and remove any debris.
- Add Holland Bulb
Booster, bone meal, or super triple phosphate. (Always read the
package label and follow the directions.)
- If this is a new
garden, you should spread a 2-3" layer of organic matter (leaf
mold, compost or well-rotted manure) over the planting area.
- Till or turn the
soil a second time.
- Remove any debris
and lightly rake the area to prepare for planting.
PLANTING
The general rule of thumb is to plant fall bulbs at a depth equal to
three (3) times the diameter of the bulb. If a bulb is 1" across, you
will plant it 3" deep.
- Heavy/clay soils or
areas with high water tables, plant slightly more shallow or raise the
soil level of the area by a minimum of 6".
- If soil is light or
sandy, plant slightly deeper.
- Place your bulbs and
check to be sure that the top of the bulb is facing skyward.
- Arrange the bulbs at
the proper spacing and depth.
- Cover with soil,
tamp lightly and water thoroughly.
- A light mulch layer of
1-2" may be added in landscape beds (not needed in grassy or
woodland plantings).
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