Bulb Planting 101

Its a little early to start thinking about Spring gardening but that is exactly what I want you to do right now! If you want those daffodils, tulips or hyacinths in your yard next year then now is the time to plant them. Go to any gardening, home improvement or general home store and they will most likely have a wide array of bulbs to choose from. I love just going and looking at them. And bulbs, I think, are A LOT easier to plant and take care of then other flowers in the spring and summer. So go and get yourself some new bulbs, follow these easy instructions and watch them come up next spring!

Choosing the Right Bulbs

If you get your bulbs from a big store, then the bulbs are most likely in a bags of 10-50, depending on what variety you choose, so you won't get to choose the actual bulbs you want. But if you go to a specialty garden store then you might get to choose the bulbs yourself. If this is the case, you want to choose the largest and firmest bulbs. These bulbs generally produce more flowers then small and mushy  ones. 

Where & When to Plant

Most bulbs do well in full sun areas but you are going to want to check the package yours comes in to make sure. Choose a location that has well drained soil. You don't want the bulb to get mushy and moldy from sitting in water that cannot drain. It is also important to plant at the right time of the year. You want to give the bulbs enough time to establish roots before the cold winter hits. Again check your specific variety for times. 

Planting Directions

• Different bulbs get planted at different depths, so look on the packaging for specific directions. 
• Dig the hole at the correct depth and place the bulb with the pointy side up. The pointy side is where the plant will grow from and you may notice that bulb will already have some roots growing from the other side. 
• You want to stop the weeds from growing around it. Weeds will take water and other nutrients away from your flower. So weed the area, then place some mulch on top of the soil to prevent more weeds from emerging. 
• Last but certainly not least, water, water, water. The bulb can only get established in the area if there is water to feed it. 

                                                                                   Journal Notes

• Plant them in groups to make more of an impact. 
• To get a more naturalized look, toss them in the area you want to plant and plant them where they land, rather than planting them in rows. 
• If you live in an area with pesky squirrels, after you plant the bulbs place some chicken wire on top of them so that the squirrels can't dig them up. Once winter is in full swing, you should be able to remove the wire and not have to worry about them. 
• If you don't dig the bulbs up year after year (you don't have to!) you will get more and more flowers popping up without planting anymore bulbs. They like to multiply but not in an invasive way! My favorite! 

Before it is too late, get those bulbs in the ground now! You are going to be happy you did come Spring! :) 

Have fun choosing your flowers, thats always the best part.

Good luck!

xo