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Tips for Planting Fall Bulbs
Do: Plant in well drained soil
Till the soil or work it up well with a shovel, then add a layer of organic compost or peat moss to the bottom of the hole(s) where bulbs will go. Let it sit for a few days if possible.
Don't Plant too early
Daffodil bulbs can be planted in September, but tulips should go in the ground no earlier than mid-October.
Do Plant in enough sun
When manufacturers say bulbs require full sun, that means at least six hours of direct sun per day.
Do plant at the proper depth
A good rule of thumb is to plant fall bulbs three times as deep as the width of the bulb.
Don't sweat direction
If you're not sure what side of the bulb is up, plant it on it's side and let mother nature make the call.
Don't spread them out too much
You're not going to get the impact of colour or that curb appeal that everybody's looking for, if you spread out bulbs too much. Plant 6" apart.
Do check the zone
Make sure the bulbs are hardy for the right zones.
Don't over fertilize
Too much fertilizer can lead to rotten or diseased bulbs.
Fertilize in fall or late spring with low nitrogen fertilizer.
Do let them die naturally
In the spring, let plants die back naturally. They are going dormant and storing food, and premature clipping or pulling could weaken the bulb.
Till the soil or work it up well with a shovel, then add a layer of organic compost or peat moss to the bottom of the hole(s) where bulbs will go. Let it sit for a few days if possible.
Don't Plant too early
Daffodil bulbs can be planted in September, but tulips should go in the ground no earlier than mid-October.
Do Plant in enough sun
When manufacturers say bulbs require full sun, that means at least six hours of direct sun per day.
Do plant at the proper depth
A good rule of thumb is to plant fall bulbs three times as deep as the width of the bulb.
Don't sweat direction
If you're not sure what side of the bulb is up, plant it on it's side and let mother nature make the call.
Don't spread them out too much
You're not going to get the impact of colour or that curb appeal that everybody's looking for, if you spread out bulbs too much. Plant 6" apart.
Do check the zone
Make sure the bulbs are hardy for the right zones.
Don't over fertilize
Too much fertilizer can lead to rotten or diseased bulbs.
Fertilize in fall or late spring with low nitrogen fertilizer.
Do let them die naturally
In the spring, let plants die back naturally. They are going dormant and storing food, and premature clipping or pulling could weaken the bulb.
Caring for your bulbs
Fertilizing
Each spring when flower stems and foliage begin to emerge from the ground, apply food for bulbs and perennials
Watering
Like all flowers, bulbs appreciate regular watering. As a general rule, they should be deeply watered anytime natural rainfall is less than 1 inch per week during their growing and blooming season.
After Blooming
After your spring-blooming bulbs have flowered and faded, leave the foliage intact and water moderately. It's not necessary to remove spent flowers, although it is recommended for tulips, daffodils and hyacinths.
Each spring when flower stems and foliage begin to emerge from the ground, apply food for bulbs and perennials
Watering
Like all flowers, bulbs appreciate regular watering. As a general rule, they should be deeply watered anytime natural rainfall is less than 1 inch per week during their growing and blooming season.
After Blooming
After your spring-blooming bulbs have flowered and faded, leave the foliage intact and water moderately. It's not necessary to remove spent flowers, although it is recommended for tulips, daffodils and hyacinths.
ADD A GARDEN ORNAMENT
"People who like gardening usually also have an interest in art."
Whether it's a small stone frog, a gazing globe or a bamboo water flute, the accent will add new dimension to the garden and perk up the winter landscape as well. Over the years, the advent of frost-proof concrete and chip-proof glazings, along with a huge selection and variety in form, has made outside art popular. These days you can even order a Putto — a gleeful winged boy with water-spouting dolphin — direct from Italy if you want to.
MORE TIPS COMING SOON