"Spring Flowers"

So today begins the thaw...Hooray!! Temperatures will rise throughout the day to top out about about 43 degrees.. At 4 pm we are expected to experience a rain storm..Hopefully this new wave of weather will melt all this snow..Unfortunately for some this means a chance of flooding. Here in Indiana we typically experience wet springs.."April Showers Bring May Flowers" really holds true in these parts. If you are like me and anxiously awaiting the arrival of the Spring flowers..don't worry it's almost time..That is if you planted your little bulbs back in the fall.. Many of us have bulbs that reemerge year after year..if that's the case then...your safe.. But many people don't realize that Spring blooming bulbs have to be planted in the fall before the ground freezes..Just as summer flowering bulbs should be put in the ground in late Spring for a summer bloom. Below is a article about planting bulbs. But first a few tips from me..always make sure your planting your bulbs deep enough..you don't want them to fall over once they emerge..lol Plant your bulbs tip up..so important..if you don't your bulbs have to use extra energy to turn themselves upright..Don't make the growing process harder on them..Try and make it easier!! Oh and watch out for those squirrels, they will dig up your bulbs!! Sometimes they replant them for you and you get a surprise in your garden.. Other times the surprise is all those bulbs you planted..just disappear!!

 

The good news is that planting flower bulbs is fast, easy, and nearly foolproof. One reason fall bulbs are so beloved of both beginner and master gardeners is that, with so few issues to consider, gardeners can put all their effort into the fun part of gardening — design.

When the bulbs arrive. Bulbs should be planted as soon as the ground is cool. In most parts of the country, this would be around the time of the first frosts, when evening temperatures average between 40° to 50° F. But you should plant at least six weeks before the ground freezes. You can, if necessary, store bulbs for a month or longer, if you keep them in a cool dry place. When in doubt, however, the bulbs belong in the ground. They won't last till next season.

• Read the label. Try to keep the label together with the bulbs until planting. Without the label, you can't tell the red tulips from the white ones just by looking at the bulbs.
• Where to plant. You can plant bulbs just about anywhere in your garden — so long as the soil drains well. The Dutch say, "bulbs don't like wet feet." So, avoid areas where water collects, such as the bottom of hills. Bulbs also like sun. But the spring garden is very sunny — the leaves aren't on the trees yet. Get creative!
• Prepare the planting bed by digging the soil so it's loose and workable. If it's not an established garden bed, chances are the soil could use the addition of some organic matter such as compost or peat moss. These are available at most local garden retailers.Tips for Planting BulbsPlant the pointy end up. That's about all you need to know. It's easy to spot the pointy end of a tulip; tougher with a crocus. But in most cases, even if you don't get it right, the flower bulb will still find its way topside.
• Plant big bulbs about 8" deep and small bulbs about 5" deep.
• No fertilizer is necessary for the first year's bloom. Bulbs are natural storehouses of food. They don't need anything to flower the first year. For bulbs that are intended to naturalize or perennialize (return for several years) or for bulbs that are coming into their second year, spread an organic fertilizer such as compost or well-rotted cow manure, or a slow release bulb food on top of the soil.
• If you do fertilize, never mix fertilizer in the planting hole. It can burn the roots. Also don't follow the old adage of adding bone meal. Modern bone meal adds little nutritional value. It can also encourage pests and even dogs to dig up your bulbs looking for bones!
• Plant bulbs in clusters. Don't plant one bulb alone, or make a long thin line along the walk. Clusters give a concentration of color for greatest impact. Even if you don't have enough bulbs for a big bed, small clusters can make a super spring show.

• Plant low bulbs in front of high. This is a good general rule for bulbs that bloom at the same time. Our website will give you the height of the plant and it's approximate flowering time. Of course there are times to break this rule. For example if the low growing bulbs bloom early and the tall bulbs bloom late, plant the tall in front. Their display will camouflage the dying foliage of the smaller bulbs!