So, you've got a bag of assorted bulbs from the catalog and your bulb planter all ready to go. Do you know the best way to get them in the ground? There are a number of great articles in the Garden Forum that should give you more than a few ideas. Start with BULB1.TXT, a terrific article on planting and growing with bulbs. A relatively new upload is TULIP.TXT. BULBUS.TXT defines bulbs and their cousins. BULBS2.TXT describes bulb gardening for beginners, while BULBTY.TXT is a breakdown of numerous varieties and their optimal growing conditions.
When
Depending on your geographical location, September to December is the right time period: The more northerly, the earlier you'll want to plant. A good rule of thumb is that soil should be below 60 degrees Fahrenheit (16 degrees Celsius) before you plant.
If you live in warmer climates, try cooling the bulbs in the refrigerator for eight to 10 weeks before putting them in the ground in December. Areas of intense, direct sunlight should also be avoided.
Where
Plant in areas of good soil drainage. Small bulbs such as snowdrops, crocus, anemone and grape hyacinth should be planted 3-5 inches deep. Larger bulbs such as tulips and daffodils should be deeper, about 5-8 inches.
How
After you've cleared the hole in which the bulb will be planted, using a bulb slow release fertilizer or an 8-8-8 mix fertilizer will greatly enhance the bulbs ability to grow and flower year after year. If you use an 8-8-8 fertilizer, use it at the rate of one teaspoon per square foot and throw in a teaspoon per square foot of bone meal. After the flower has bloomed and the foliage is still green, a small amount of bonemeal (no more than a teaspoon) sprinkled around the plant will give the bulb nutrients it needs for the following spring.
If you decide you want to naturalize the arrangement, scatter the bulbs on cleared ground. Try and keep about 3 inches between bulbs. Dibbles are not recommended for creating the hole in which the bulb is dropped, as it creates a small space under the bulb. The bulb cannot properly take root with that space under it.
What to Do When They Flower
Enjoy! When the flower dies, cut off the spent blooms with kitchen shears and allow the plant to die naturally.
From Whom
You can find bulbs in nurseries and catalogs. More specialized, rare and new hybrid varieties may be discovered with information from the Netherlands FlowerBulb Information Center, 426 Henry Street, Brooklyn, New York, NY 11231-3009 (Tel. 718 596-5400). Also, there is a text file, B&T, and a file BULBS_2.TXT, that describe various companies from which bulbs can be ordered.
Photos in the slideshow courtesy Netherlands FlowerBulb Information Center and Netherlands Tourist Authority.
