Tips for a Bulb-o-licious Garden

Want a successful garden? Try planting bulbs intoBoth winter and spring bulbs require a dormant period
your landscape. Flowering bulbs are not only easy toin cool temperatures in order to stimulate their
grow and popular among garden plants, but they cangrowth and development. These types of bulbs
fit into nearly any type of gardening style. And withinclude crocuses, cyclamens, tulips, daffodils,
proper care, bulbs will continue to bloom year aftersnowdrops, and hyacinths. Generally, these bulbs are
year. Flowering bulbs make lovely additions to anyhardy enough to be left in the ground throughout the
garden, especially when planted in groups or mixedyear; however, your summer and fall bulbs may
borders.require lifting.
Bulbs are widely available at most garden centers;Gladiolus, begonias, dahlias, and autumn crocuses fall
however, most of the more spectacular ones needinto the summer bulb category. These bulbs are
to be purchased through mail-order catalogs orusually considered to be quite tender and cannot
nurseries that specialize in these types of plants.survive in excessively cold environments. Spring is
Actually, ordering your bulbs through catalogs ornormally the best time to plant these bulbs. After the
obtaining them from nurseries can provide manyfirst initial frost, they should be dug up and kept in a
benefits. Since bulbs are dormant, shipping them isdry, frost-free area.
easy and done so according to their appropriateRegardless of the type, bulbs prefer and thrive in
planting times. This means all you have to do is simplylight, well-drained soil. To improve the quality of your
stick them in the ground. There's no worrying withsoil, you can easily work in some sand and compost.
keeping particular bulbs stored elsewhere until needed.Make sure the site you choose for planting does not
The quality of your bulbs from a mail order companystand in water at any time as this will ultimately
is normally better, too. They are healthier and pickedcause your bulbs to rot. Larger bulbs are planted
for you by experts; whereas, picking them yourselfabout 8 inches deep; while the smaller ones can be
may not always be easy, unless you know what toplaced about 5 inches in the ground. However, the
look for.lighter the soil, the deeper the bulb can be placed.
When selecting bulbs yourself, try choosing onlyAlways place the bulb with its point facing upward.
those that are firm. You don't want any soft,Water generously after planting, but take care not to
withered, or blemished bulbs as these will notdrench the bulbs. Cover with a layer of mulch.
produce a healthy plant.Flowering bulbs make great companions for woody
Always consider your landscape prior to planting orplants, providing the landscape with an array of sizes,
choosing bulbs. Observe your surroundings, takingshapes, and colors. As spring bulbs die out, you can
notes as to the types of plants already growingadd various annuals and late-blooming bulbs, like lilies,
within the landscape.to keep these areas of the garden looking their best.
Choose bulbs which will thrive in your particular areaAdding an assortment of perennials into the bulb
and climate. Check reference books, labels, andgarden will provide a nonstop procession of flowers
packaging for the bulb's hardiness requirements.and foliage.
Consider the color, bloom time, height, andIf you want to try a naturalized effect with your
compatibility of the plants you want to grow. Youbulbs, take them by the handful and gently toss
want to select bulbs that will offer significantthem out into the yard or garden. Plant the bulbs
blooming throughout the seasons with plenty ofwherever they land.
ongoing color year-round.If you want to test out different plant combinations
Mix them up with a variety of annuals and perennialsbefore incorporating them into the garden or you
as well as interesting foliage plants such as hostassimply don't have a lot of space for one, you can
and ferns.grow your bulbs in a container. A variety of bulbs can
Proper planting of bulbs will keep the garden full ofthrive in containers, and when mixed with annuals,
blooms through the seasons and ensure healthy,you will have a beautiful miniature garden. Choose a
vigorous growth for years to come. Place your bulbscontainer that has sufficient drainage and line it with
in the ground as soon as possible; otherwise, keeppebbles. Add some potting soil and a few bulbs and
them stored in a cool, dry area. Bulbs are normallyannuals. Keep the container moist but not too wet.
planted well before the ground freezes in the fall orIf you follow these tips, pretty soon you will have a
after the planting of perennials, annuals, and otherbulb-o-licious garden.
plants in the spring.