How Does a Bulb Planter Work?

Push

A bulb planter is used to create a hole in soil of sufficient depth and diameter for planting a bulb. Planters include models from very small tools called dibbers, hand-held planters, and long-handled planters (models for which you use feet as leverage to push the tool deeper and extract more soil). However, with all models the steps are similar. Take your bulb planter and push it into the soil in your desired location. Stop at the depth mark indicated on the side of the planter, based on the type of bulb you are planting.

Twist and Lift

Bulb planters are designed to hold soil inside of the tool to aid in extraction of the soil and to reserve the soil for covering your bulb after planting. During the twist phase using the hand-held planter, you will turn the tool clockwise in the soil in order to trap it inside the tool. Lift the soil out of the newly created hole, as it is now trapped inside the tube of the planter. If using a smaller dibber tool, you will simply dig out the loosened soil. If using a long-handled tool, you may be able to plant the bulb and cover it in one motion as you withdraw the tool from the ground.

Plant and Fill

Place the bulb in the soil with the correct end facing up. Loosen the soil inside the tube of the hand-held planter and it will release from the tube into the hole to cover your bulb. Follow instructions on the bulb packaging for fertilization and soil maintenance.

References

• National Gardening Association
• HGTV: How to choose the right flowerig bulbs
• Martha Stewart, Home and Garden