Bulbs planted now can provide a beautiful garden in the spring. You can plant bulbs directly in the ground or in containers, if space in your garden is limited.
To plant in the ground:
- Prepare soil and add organic matter--to aid drainage--and granular slow-release fertilizer. Bulbs require proper drainage to thrive.
- Lay the bulbs on the top of the prepared area to complete your design and provide proper spacing.
- Using a narrow trowel, plant each individual bulb at the proper depth (3x height).
- Cover with 1" layer of mulch.
To plant in containers:
- Containers must have drainage holes and be placed outdoors so they receive normal rainfall throughout the winter.
- Fill container with soilless potting medium mixed with granular, slow-release fertilizer.
- Plant the bulbs at the correct depth (same as above, 3x height) and top-off with additional potting mixture and a light layer of mulch.
- If mixing different bulbs, plant larger ones first (they will be deeper than smaller bulbs) add a layer of potting mixture, planter smaller bulbs at correct depth and fill container with potting mixture. Finish with a light layer of mulch.
You will need to water beds or containers that contain bulbs only if it is a dry fall. The bulbs need proper moisture to develop roots.
Squirrels are very fond of bulbs, except daffodils! To prevent the squirrels from feasting on your recently planted bulbs, be sure to clean the area thoroughly. Pay special attention to any papery coverings that have fallen off the bulbs. If left, any debris will attract the squirrels to the bulb beds. After planting and clean up is complete, determine dimensions of bulb bed. Cut chicken wire 2" longer on each side than the dimensions of the bulb bed. Bend 2" on each side, forming a "box-top" to cover the bed. Push the bent edges into the ground to secure the chicken wire. After the ground is frozen the chicken wire can be removed.
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