As we enter the autumn season it is time to plant fall bulbs for a colorful bounty of spring blooms. Here are a few bulb planting tips to get you started:
• The optimum soil ph range for bulbs is 6-7
• Plant bulbs when soil temperatures are below 60° F
• Good drainage is essential as bulbs may rot in soils that stay wet for long periods of time. If drainage is a problem you can improve it by adding organic matter such as compost
• Plant bulbs 2 . to 3 times the diameter of the bulb in depth
• Don’t forget to fertilize
• Plant bulbs in clusters for a concentration of color
• After planting, water bulbs to help settle the soil and provide moisture for the bulbs to start rooting
• After planting, cover bulbs with 2-3 inches of mulch
• To discourage animals from digging up and/or eating bulbs, enclose bulbs in wire mesh when planting
Mary Witt Boone, Bedford Extension Master Gardener (A re-post from Oct 2013)
For more information please visit:
http://www.pubs.ext.vt.edu/426/426-201/426-201.html (photo credits)
https://www.gardenguides.com/about_5379848_plant-spring-bulbs-virginia.html
https://pitt.ces.ncsu.edu/2015/10/when-do-i-plant-spring-flowering-bulbs/
https://wilson.ces.ncsu.edu/2007/11/planting-bulbs/