Phase 2 : Naturalizing Bulbs

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What you need: Bulbs Bulb planter or trowel Bone meal Bulbs that naturalize multiply and spread each year. Not all bulbs will naturalize, and not all bulbs that will naturalize will do so in every climate. Your local garden center's bulb expert can help you choose bulbs that will naturalize in your locale. Typically, daffodils, crocus, and snowdrops will naturalize with ease. Tulips will not.

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A key to naturalizing bulbs is leaving the plant alone until it withers and yellows on its own. For this reason, choose a spot that can be left undisturbed until the foliage has died back. Informal perennial beds, meadows and under tree canopies are all good choices.

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Spring blooming bulbs should be planted in fall. Take a handful of bulbs and cast them over the area you wish to plant. By spreading the bulbs in a random pattern, the planting will look much more natural.

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Plant the bulbs with a bulb planter or trowel, three times as deep as they are tall, with the growing point facing up. Give the bulbs a little boost; bone meal can be added to each hole before planting. By the next spring you will have a beautiful, natural looking bed of flowering bulbs that will improve with each passing year.

Outdoor gardening : Phase 1

Bulb Planting In Layers

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What you need: Bulbs Shovel Bone meal Different sized bulbs require different planting depths. By planting bulbs in layers, you can plant several different types of bulbs together. Dig a hole that is around three times deeper than the height of your largest bulb.

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Add a little bone meal to the bottom of the hole. Arrange your largest bulbs in the hole in random fashion, being sure to space the bulbs properly. A good rule of thumb is to allow for a space of two to three times the width of the bulb in between each bulb.

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Next, carefully cover the first layer of bulbs with soil. Add enough soil to provide the proper planting depth for the next layer of bulbs.

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Add a little more bone meal to the soil, and arrange the next layer of bulbs in the hole. Try not to place them directly on top of the previous bulbs.

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Add more soil to the hole, covering the last layer of bulbs.

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Place the final layer of bulbs in the hole, a little more bone meal, and fill in the rest of the soil.

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If you're planting in well-drained soil, a depth of 3 - 4 times the height of the bulb is recommended. If you're planting in heavy, poorly draining soil, a depth of 3 times the bulb is recommended.

Ah, Its a long time coming

Sorry, I couldn't update the blog for more than 7 months now. Been a helluva time studying for the examinations. But hey, its holidays now and I'll try to update regularly. Meanwhile, keep an eye out for my bun-gee-pup-ee on the right and give a click on it.