Rafed English

How to Make a Bulb Garden

Many flowers require that they be planted as a bulb. A garden filled with bulbs will result in blooming flowers that will eventually die off and leave room for other flowering plants, which may bloom later in the season. Most bulbs flower in the spring although there are some that bloom in the fall. Planting a bulb garden requires more than just putting bulbs in the ground. Here's how to make a bulb garden.

Planning

1. Consider where you need to add color and flowers.

- During the spring and summer months, carefully watch your existing garden to see where it might benefit from early spring flowers. Keep in mind that some bulbs will bloom very early in the spring. You want a garden that maintains color for as long as possible.

2. Choose your bulb varieties.

- Do your research. Some bulbs will bloom earlier than others, while some may grow larger or faster. Keep this in mind when deciding what kind of bulbs you want to place. Always plan to have the larger, fuller plants bloom behind or around smaller plants. Also consider how much room you have and how much room each bulb needs. The package of each bulb will suggest how much space it needs.

3. Prepare the location.

- Once you've identified where you want to plant your bulbs, you need to prepare the soil. Start in the summer by adding fertilizer to the ground, working it in so that the ground remains loose. Keep this area as weed free as possible.

Purchase

1. Order your bulbs through the mail.

- By ordering your bulbs in advance from a plant catalog, you'll be taking advantage of the largest possible variety. You can usually order anytime in mid to late summer, and the bulbs will usually ship in the early fall, just in time for planting.

2. Buy local bulbs.

- Buying your bulbs from a garden center will give you a selection of bulbs but not necessarily the largest selection. They'll carry all the usual types that are appropriate for your area.

3. Store the bulbs.

- Bulbs should be kept in their packaging in a cool, dark spot that is free from excess moisture. Never freeze the bulbs or place them in air-tight containers.

Plant

1. Plant early.

- The best time for planting bulbs is in the early fall. You want to ensure that the bulbs have 2 to 3 months to root before the ground freezes or gets cold.

2. Prepare the ground.

- Before planting the bulbs, prepare the flower beds. Make holes in the ground as per the instructions on the bulb package. Follow their guidelines on how close to put the bulbs and how deep to plant them.

3. Plant the bulbs and water.

- Place the bulbs, 1 in each hole, flat root end down. The pointed tip of the bulb should be facing upward. Cover the bulbs with soil and press it down with your hand. Never walk on the soil as it will compress the soil too much. Then water your bulbs. You need to water the bulbs so that the moisture reaches the bottom of the bulb. This is imperative if you want the bulbs to root and bloom in the spring.

Fall Bulbs

1. Plant fall bulbs.

- Planning a bulb garden with fall bulbs would follow the same process as for spring bulbs, however, you can begin the planting process as early as late summer. Always read the package for planting instructions and times.

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