Since 1992
Print and digital marketing
With autumn about to begin, you’re probably thinking about the shorter, colder days of winter rather than the beauty of spring flowers blooming from bulb planting. If you want to enjoy tulips, daffodils, hyacinths and other beautiful blooms next spring, it’s time to plan for and plant bulbs.
Spring-blooming bulbs need to be planted in autumn, so they’ll have time to form strong roots before the ground freezes. The best time to plant is mid-September through late October when the soil temperature typically falls below 60 degrees. Bulbs need time to get established before winter’s freezing weather sets in.
Many winter hardy bulbs are left in the ground year after year and can provide multiple years of gorgeous color. To make the most of your time and money investments, be sure to give them a good start.
Bulb planting tips
*When buying, look for bulbs that are plump and firm and avoid those that are soft, rotted, moldy or dented.
* Once purchased, it’s important to get them in the ground as soon as possible to prevent them from drying out. If you can’t plant them right away, store them temporarily in a cool, dark place and plant as soon as possible. Storage must be cool, as temps near 80 degrees will damage-even kill -heat sensitive bulbs, like tulips.
*It’s always recommended to do a soil test prior to planting to be sure your pH level is 6.0 to 7.0, for most bulbs. Adding limestone can raise pH if necessary or if your pH is too high, add some sulfur. Your soil test results will reveal what amendments you might need.
*Spring flowering bulbs can literally cover lots of ground. They not only bloom in a beautiful range of colors, shapes and sizes, they also thrive in a wide variety of conditions. As a rule, bulbs grow best when planted in areas that have well-draining soil, and where they receive full sun to light shade. Another good rule to remember is if you’re planting bulbs that bloom in spring, plant in fall. For bulbs that bloom early summer or later, plant in spring.
*When deciding where to plant, keep in mind that it’s often still cold and bleak when the first spring bulbs break ground. Consider planting them where they can be seen from inside the house – so you can enjoy living color from the comfort of home. Some other prime viewing areas are next to walkways and entry doors, under deciduous trees, in front of evergreens and in open flower beds.
Bulbs are favorite food for garden varmints like squirrels, chipmunks and other critters who dig them up and eat them, dashing your chance for beautiful blooms in springtime.
You can protect your bulbs and the beauty they bring in spring by employing some timely tactics:
If critters are a problem in your yard, although cumbersome, try covering bulbs with wire mesh screening which will allow shoots to grow through the holes, while keeping critters out.
Small animal pests love tulips just as much as deer, but they’re less interested in daffodil, allium, scilla and some other bulbs as well.
There are also critter repellents available. For more information on repellents, visit www.bobbex.com.
PHOTO: Courtesty Bobbex Inc.
