This is the 2nd section of a two-portion sequence on picking out and planting spring-flowering bulbs. For information on selecting which bulbs are right for your backyard, see Aspect 1.
Planting bulbs is 1 of the most enjoyable yard actions. Likely out on a pleasant drop working day and tucking opportunity bouquets in the floor is a enjoyment. You will delight in anticipating not only upcoming spring’s bloom, but blooms for several years to come.
Wherever to Plant
Bulbs should really constantly be planted in locations that have great drainage and considerable sunlight. Here are some strategies on wherever you might place them:
In the vicinity of an entrance. It’s great to have bulbs close to the place you go in and out, be it by a front or back doorway or around the garage. It provides you an chance to view their daily progress.
In a flower border. Select bulbs that complement the perennials and other crops that will be increasing close to them. Plant the bulbs of taller bouquets these kinds of as daffodils and tulips in the back again, shorter kinds up entrance. Awesome hues this kind of as blues and pinks recede, so plant them nearer so you can see them. Brighter hues like white, yellow and orange stand out even at a length.
In a lawn. Lesser-sized bulbs – crocus, snowdrops, squill and glory of the snow – are great for this intent. Two caveats: Never plant them in which the garden will get a large amount of summertime irrigation (or the bulbs might rot), and don’t plant them if you need to mow right before the foliage has yellowed. They could not bloom the subsequent year.
Beneath trees. If you like the concept of bouquets coming up beneath your deciduous trees, once again, go with the scaled-down bulbs. Considering that they are planted only two or a few inches deep, they are much less very likely to disturb tree roots. Don’t plant bulbs less than evergreens, they’ll by no means get sufficient daylight to thrive.
Some backyard garden execs suggest that a planting will appear more all-natural if you toss the bulbs onto the floor and plant them where they land. This appears high-quality in idea, but plant roots, rocks or compacted soil can make it impractical. Bulbs spaced equally apart do search unnatural, so no matter whether you toss or position them, goal for casual clusters.
Trowels or spades are necessary for planting bulbs.
What You’ll Need to have
Possibly a trowel or a spade will do. A trowel is fantastic for smaller bulbs that are planted only a few of inches deep. If your soil is loose and simple to dig, or you’re tucking bulbs into tight spaces this kind of as about perennials, a extended trowel may be all you need. Trowels usually have a ruler etched into the metal, so obtaining the proper depth is straightforward.
For holes that want to be further than a number of inches, as with daffodil or tulip bulbs, you could have improved luck with a spade. This also goes if soil is compacted or rocky. A spade has a step on the blade that allows you to drive down with your foot, employing the leverage of your full system to dig somewhat than just your arms.
If you’re planting dozens of bulbs, a bulb planter is another way to go. A bulb planter has a tapered steel cylinder. When it is plunged into the soil, then pulled upwards, it provides up a plug of dirt and leaves a gap.
If you have soil so compacted that it is hard to dig, get an auger. It’s a spiral-shaped little bit that goes on the close of a electric power drill. It twists its way into the floor, pushing the soil up and generating a gap.
Planting
If attainable, amend the soil with compost ahead of planting. You won’t need to have to fertilize the bulbs in the initially yr, but you will in subsequent a long time.
Opt for a dry day when the soil is moist. Never plant when the soil is moist or far too dry. Soaked soil will compact as you function all over it, and dry soil is challenging to dig.
Choose the bulbs out of the package deal. Do not worry if the bulbs have a minimal mildew on them, but discard any that may be rotting.
How deep to plant a bulb is dependent on the species and often even the wide range. Adhere to the depth suggestions on the planting label. Bigger bulbs this kind of as daffodils and tulips need to have to be planted deeper than scaled-down bulbs these types of as crocus. Bulbs not planted deeply sufficient may well not come up the next yr or could be dug up by animals.
Dig the gap to the accurate depth, and drop the bulb in. The root close goes down, and the pointy conclusion goes up. Exchange the soil, gently firming it over the bulb to reduce air pockets. Give it some water to rehydrate the roots, but don’t build a mud puddle. Mulch with a couple of inches of straw or chopped leaves right after planting.
You’re carried out! Now resolve you a heat consume, sit back again, and photo how stunning your backyard garden is heading to be, following spring and for a long time just after.
