Gardening With Flower Bulbs

September 29, 2008

So many different types of flower bulbs exist that it’s possible to create an infinite number of garden arrangements with the help of bulbs. While they are often thought of as being spring flowers, there are bulbs that bloom during spring, summer, fall and even winter. This can make it possible for any garden come to life during most, if not all, of the year. read more

Besides their beauty and aroma, many gardeners choose to use flower bulbs in their gardens because they are hearty and simple to care for. They require much less effort than many other types of flowers, and many types of bulbs are largely resistant to pests. For gardeners with deer and squirrels nearby, there are a number of bulbs that won’t be in danger of being eaten before they get the chance to bloom. Daffodil bulbs, for example, have a bitter taste that animals avoid. Allium, hyacinth, oxalis and many other types of bulbs are also ignored by the pests that will eat other types of plants.

Most bulbs are planted during the fall. Planting during October is the perfect time in most climates, though in some areas they should be planted earlier. The bulbs should be planted six weeks before the first ground freeze can be expected. When planting bulbs, the depth depends on the type of bulb. Some bulbs, like the crocus, are planted at the relatively shallow depth of four inches. Others, like the tulip, are planted far deeper at eight inches.

Most bulbs need a few inches of space to maximize their potential growth. Giving each bulb about six inches of space is generally enough for most bulb types. But, some gardeners choose to plant several flower bulbs together for a much different look than flower rows. Larger clumps of bulbs planted together will look more natural, though the resulting plants may not grow quite as large.

When planting bulbs, using fertilizer in each hole is preferred. To fertilize bulbs, sprinkle some fertilizer into the hole, then sprinkle some of the surrounding soil over that fertilizer. The bulb is then placed in the hole with its flat side down. Fill in each bulb hole with soil and water the area liberally.

Once the bulbs have sprouted and the flowers began to grow, there is some basic maintenance that can be performed to keep the flowers in their best condition. Like many types of flowers, deadheading should be done in order to keep these flowers focused on their new flowers. Remove any dead flowers quickly and cleanly and the plant will spend more energy on the flowers that are still alive. The same can be done for any dead leaves.

Flower bulbs can be planted in many areas of the garden, though most prefer to have full sun for at least part of the day. If the entire garden area gets full sun for at least a few hours a day, there are many choices in how to use the bulbs. They can be planted along the edges of the garden or yard to create a flower border. They can be easily planted along the side of a home for a quick flower bed. Flower bulbs can also be interspersed with other types of plants and flowers to give the garden bright splashes of color.

Anywhere that flower bulbs are planted they will be admired for their colorful flowers and delicate details. They are easy to plant and they always result in eye-catching flowers. They don’t need intensive care or constant fertilizing in order to grow into big, beautiful blooms that will become the bright spot of the season.

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What kind of bulbs are your favorites. I like tulips and daffodils planted together in large groups. How about you. Keep gardening. Jeff

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