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Plants teach us so much and bulbs are no exception; especially when it
come to the lesson on anticipation. In our fast paced lives,
it’s hard to believe that there are flowers that require us to slow
down and wait for their grand entrance. Luckily, bulbs are worth the
wait. After all the anticipation, spring flowering bulbs
break through our winter months, and bring us the earliest spring
beauty.
Now is the best time to plant your favorite bulbs. During
September, Al’s Garden Center has the largest selection of bulbs of
the year. Some varieties such as Amaryllis bulbs will not arrive
until October. It is a good idea to shop early for the best
selection. We will be carrying several new and unusual varieties of
bulbs as well as many traditional favorites.
Bulb planting is also a great project to do with children. The
bulbs are large and are very easy to plant.
Following is a list of tips for planting spring flowering
bulbs. If you have any further questions or need specific variety
information, stop by Al’s and let one of our nursery experts
help.
Bulb Tips
- Once you purchase your bulbs, it is a good idea to plant them as
soon as possible. If you have to delay planting, store the bulbs in
paper bags in a cool spot.
- If your soil is heavy (clay), add an organic soil amendment (peat
moss or soil building conditioner work well). Mix it in to a depth of
six inches or more.
- When it comes to accenting gardens with bulbs, more is always
better. Don’t skimp! It is also a good idea to gently
throw the bulbs on the ground and plant them where they lie. Random
clumps and drifts suit bulbs well, resulting in a natural-looking garden.
- If you can’t determine the top from the bottom of the bulb,
plant the bulb on its side. The bulb will figure out which way is up.
- General rules for planting depth are as follows: Plant large
bulbs at a depth about twice the height of the bulb; plant small bulbs
slightly deeper than twice their height.
- After planting, lightly apply a complete, dry fertilizer such as
Al’s Transplant Fertilizer or Espoma Bulb-Tone organic plant
food. Fertilize again when the shoots emerge from the soil in spring.
- Once the bulbs are planted and fertilized, water the bed
thoroughly to settle the soil.
- In spring, after the bulbs have finished blooming, remove only the
spent flowers. Allow the foliage to grow for as long as it cares
to. Once the leaves have turned completely yellow or brown, simply
yank them from the below-ground bulbs. Do not remove foliage that is
still green as it will seriously diminish the bulb’s vigor the
following year.
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