How to Plant Fall Flower Bulbs
Bulbs, which bloom in the spring, are planted in the fall because they need a period of cold weather to produce a good crop of flowers. Fall planted bulbs include tulips, daffodils, snowdrops and crocuses. These bulbs should be put in the ground about six weeks before the ground freezes or when the soil temperature drops to 55 degrees F or lower.
Bulbs should be planted at a depth of two to three times their height. The correct planting depth for amaryllis, crocus and snowdrops is two to four inches and four to eight inches for hyacinth, lilies, narcissus and tulips.
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Instructions
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Planting Bulbs
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Till the soil, where bulbs are to be planted, to a depth of 8 to 12 inches. Continue tilling until the soil particles are marble-sized or smaller. If it is available, spread a 3- to 4-inch layer of compost or peat moss and mix it into the soil. Level the areas with a garden rake.
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Dig holes to the proper depth where the bulbs are to be placed, using some sort of bulb planting tool.
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Mix bone meal with the soil in the bottom of the hole to provide phosphorous for bulb root development.
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Place bulbs in the appropriate holes with the root plate facing down and the tip pointing up.
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Cover the bulbs with loose soil and water until the ground is wet.
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Tips & Warnings
There are various types of bulb planting tools on the market and the choice depends upon what works best for each individual. There are planter drill augers that are powered by an electric or battery-operated drill. Long-handled bulb planters are available that allow you to pull dirt from a bulb-sized hole without bending over. One bulb planter is a tapered cylinder with cutting teeth on one end and a wooden handle on the other. With this planter, a person rests on her knees and screws the planter into the ground to the desired depth. When the planter is pulled out of the ground it brings soil with it, leaving a hole. Dibbers are also available and are pointed rods attached to a handle. They are twisted into the ground making a hole as they go. You also have to work on your knees with this tool.
References
- Photo Credit Microsoft Clip Art & Photos Taken by author
