Garden Medley

Bulbs are a great addition to just about any flower garden. They’re relatively easy to grow, hardy and they can come back year after year. They’re simple for both experienced and inexperienced gardeners.

The selection of bulbs can be somewhat daunting. There are all kinds and you have to learn how to spot the best bulbs.

Looks for large, firm bulbs. The larger bulbs are more likely to bloom better. Soft bulbs are in poor condition and unlikely to grow if you plant them. Look for water damage as well, since this can also be an indicator of a poor quality bulb.

Another thing to watch out for is cracking or scarring. These may be so dry that they simply will not bloom. Also do not pick out bulbs that are already sprouting roots. These may not bloom when planted.

You need to plant your bulbs correctly, however even if you decide to get started at the wrong time of year don’t despair. Most bulbs are best off planted in the fall, before the ground freezes. This is common practice, however if you plant at the wrong time the bulbs may simply lie dormant until the following year, so it may not be a complete loss.

The depth of the planting depends on the particular variety of bulb. A crocus bulb may only need to be planted four inches deep, but tulips need to be eight inches deep. Get instructions for each variety.

A tool called a bulb planter can make the job easier if you want to plant your bulbs in neat rows. You don’t have to stick to the perfect rows, of course. You can plant bulbs randomly, even close together or in a single hole if you want a more natural look.

You can help your bulbs get a good start by adding a bit of fertilizer at the bottom of each hole before adding the bulbs. Cover the fertilizer with a bit of soil; do not place the bulb directly on the fertilizer or it may be damaged by it.

Plant your bulbs with the pointed end sticking up, flat side down. Cover with soil and water thoroughly. No, you aren’t expecting them to grow just yet if you’re doing this in the fall, but the water will help them nonetheless.

As with any flower, you can remove dead blooms to encourage new growth. This practice is called deadheading, and works with just about any flower. It removes dead growth from the plant, which allows it to grow more.

Bulbs are among the easiest flowers to grow, and produce beautiful flowers in a marvelous range of colors and styles. They go well in just about any garden. Perhaps best of all, you don’t have to buy new ones year after year.