The window to plant those spring flowers is closing
11/04/2018
By Mike Thayer
If you're into the fantastic array of colors spring flowers provide, now is the time to get those bulbs in the ground.
According to the experts, when night time temperatures are consistently in the 40 - 50 degree mark that's the perfect time to put bulbs to "bed." Yes, pun intended. This temperature window is the optimum for those bulbs, allowing them to root and establish themselves. You can actually plant right up until the ground freezes, but the success rate for those bulbs to root, establish and ultimately sprout in the spring really drops and besides, who wants to be digging in the dirt when it gets below freezing outside?
Also known as "Fall" bulbs, these spring flower beauties include favorites such as crocus, daffodils, hyacinth and tulips. You can find them readily at Walmart, Lowes, Home Depot, your favorite hardware store and at reasonable prices. A lot of folks like to order them online or through catalogs, but that takes time and often comes with shipping costs. I say if you're out running errands, pick up a bag or two, or three at some place local.
You can plant your favorite bulbs just about anywhere in your yard or garden where the soil drains well. Avoid areas where water collects, because bulbs don't like to sit in "wetness." Spring bulbs love the sun and that's why they look so great at the base of trees, that splash of spring color you see before the tree leaves start to pop out.
Follow the package instructions to plant your bulbs, but as a general rule of thumb, bigger bulbs like tulips and daffodils should be planted about 8" deep and small bulbs like crocus about 5" deep. Loosely backfill your planting area with soil - don't pack it - and water those bulbs in to stimulate root growth. These bulbs are low maintenance and I why I like them so much, in addition to the great colors they provide. You shouldn't have to worry about watering them again until spring, unless you live in a very low precipitation area.
Enjoy those colors!
$pend Wisely My Friends.....
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