It’s Time To Get Spring Bulbs In The Ground

Probably one of the most uplifting sights of early spring is brilliant purple crocuses poking up from under the snow.

Spring bulbs are the first bursts of color in our gardens. But to reap that spring reward, we need to do some work this fall. Now’s the time to plant bulbs, including tulips, daffodils and crocuses.

Even the novice, know-nothing gardener can handle this task. The first step takes us to the garden center to choose our future spring bouquets. Don’t be surprised when you find hundreds of bulbs, all offering different colors, shapes and textures.

When purchasing bulbs, stay away from those with deep scars, bruises, soft spots or molds. If a bulb is shriveled, it’s no good. It should be firm and feel heavy for its size. The bottom of the bulb, the basal plate, should be solid and firm.

Don’t worry about the condition of the onionlike skin, the tunic. Some bulbs will have the skin intact, while on others it may be loose or even missing.

Once you’ve made your purchases, it’s best to plant the bulbs right away. If you can’t, store them in a cool, dry location, such as a refrigerator. Don’t store them in closed plastic bags, because they’ll get moldy.

Bulbs do best in rich, well-drained soils, so improve the soil if you have to before planting. The size of the bulbs and the soil type will determine how deep they must be planted. A good rule of thumb is to dig a hole three times deeper than the diameter of the bulb. Therefore, the bigger the bulb, the deeper it should be planted. (If you have sandy soil, the hole should be one to two inches deeper. For heavy clay soils, reduce the depth by an inch or two.)

Bulbs can planted separately or in clusters. At the base of each hole, add a handful of bone meal or a fertilizer especially made for bulbs. Place the bulb in the hole with the points up. Cover them and soak the area with water.

Adding a layer of mulch on top will ensure more constant soil temperatures during the late fall and early spring.