Things You'll Need:
- Garden tools
- Compost
- Bulb fertilizer
- Mulch (leaves, hay, straw)
- High Phosphorus fertilizer
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Step 1
Select a sunny location that gets plenty of sun in early spring. Bulbs can be planted under deciduous trees that are bare in early spring, allowing the sun to warm the soil. Areas near foundations or rock walls warm quickly in the spring and are ideal for spring blooming bulbs.
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Step 2
Choose a variety of flowering bulbs in a range of colors, sizes and shapes to create a dazzling display in early spring. Consider daffodils in several sizes and shades, brightly colored tulips, multicolored crocus and fragrant hyacinths to create a colorful bulb garden.
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Step 3
Plant bulbs in the fall before the ground freezes. Dig a hole four times the depth of the bulbs to be planted. Amend with compost and add bulb food according to the directions on the package. Mix in well with existing soil.
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Step 4
Plant bulbs in odd number groupings for a natural look. Groups of five or seven make a good display of color, but you can plant in larger groups if you prefer. Situate the bulb to a depth of two to three times the depth of the bulb with the pointed end up for best results. Cover with soil and firm down to settle the bulb and reduce air pockets.
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Step 5
Water thoroughly to saturate the soil. Keep the area moist until the ground freezes. Bulbs develop a strong root system in the fall and send up new growth in the spring.
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Step 6
Mulch with hay, leaves or straw to prevent frost heaves from disturbing the bulbs as the ground freezes and thaws during the winter months.
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Step 7
Uncover the mulch in early spring as soon as the first signs of growth appear. Apply high phosphorus fertilizer just prior to blooming to encourage large colorful blooms and to promote root development.
