Every season in the landscape reminds me of the seasons of our lives – each season we should find something to cherish, something enriching something worth striving for. Spring bulbs resonate to me the basic instruction on what life has to bring.
In the last blog we spoke about presentation in regards to ones own perspective. This week we discuss preparation which is definitely NOT a matter of perspective – preparation is a matter of fact – you are either prepared or you are not. As they say…when preparation meets opportunity big things can happen – or in this instance BIG color.
Read on to learn the five steps you need to know so you may prepare your tulip or daffodil bulbs for the biggest spring flush of their lives.
Write in if there are other bulb varieties you have questions about.
Now is the time to design and prepare for your bulb planting spaces. Once the temperatures cool for good and the leaves have fallen from the trees you’ll have until the beginning of February if your lucky to get’em planted.
Step 1
Decide where you would like to plant your spring bulbs
Preferably in a location well drained and with a minimum of 4-6 hours of sunlight – Part sun to Full sun is always best.
You may also want to purchase a bag of pre-moistened peat moss if you find your soil is mostly clay or just a poor soil type – The addition of pre-moistened peat moss is never a bad idea in a properly draining site.
Step 2
Remove the sod, if present, from your intended planting site.
Dig the hole to a depth of 6-8”
Helpful Hint: Use a wheelbarrow or tarp to place your soil on as you excavate it. This will make it easier for you to mix in the amendments and get it back into the hole with minimum mess.
Step 3
Once you have the area for your plantings excavated you will want to add the pre-moistened peat moss to your excavated soil. Mix to a ratio of about one part peat moss to two parts soil. Next, read the directions on your Bulb tone or Bone Meal package. Add the stated amount of the chosen fertilizing product to your back fill soil and mix well – like cake batter – You are ready to plant!
Step 4
You are ready to place your bulbs!
Remember the pointed side of the bulb always goes up!
Once your bulbs are placed, backfill the area with the excavated soil you have amended. Make sure that while you are back filling you are not jostling the bulbs out of placement. Though, a little jostling cannot be helped. Tamp in lightly.
Step 5
Apply a ½” layer of good quality mulch over the area and water in thoroughly.
Northeast Ohio Garden also reminds you to order your 3.2.1 Bloom! Darwin Hybrid Tulip Kits, which are bound to give you many years of reliable bloom, at the following link http://neohiogarden.com/3-2-1-bloom-plant-and-grow-your-own-blooming-art/
The 3.2.1. Bloom! Tulip kits advertised are an example of a custom set. You man also request pricing on custom orders including single color; custom mixes, desired quantities, as well as custom design in requested sizes if available. We offer the Darwin Hybrid tulips in pink, white, red, yellow and deep purple.
If your planting bed areas are prepared correctly, you have planted timely and maintain fittingly – you will have some happy plants. Is it not the same in life? We must first decide we care to make a difference though the simple thought of caring does not make a tulip grow. I’ve grown up hearing the adage – anything worth getting doesn’t come easy – so true! We must first care enough to create an environment worth thriving in and then let us prepare to not forget why.
