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Learn some basic tips to
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Gardening Tip!
Gardening Tip of the Month
For more information on any gardening question stop by Delhi Flower and Garden Center and ask one of our many horticulture and landscaping experts!
Planting Spring Bulbs
Fall is upon us and winter is not much farther behind, but it is never too early to start thinking spring, especially when it comes to spring bulbs! Fall is the best time to start planting bulbs such as daffodils, tulips, hyacinths and many others. Planting bulbs late September throughout the months of October and November, especially in the Cincinnati area, allows the bulbs to get a healthy rootstock established before the freeze of winter.
Tulips
Planning
Before running out to buy the most appealing bulbs, take a moment to think about the kind of bulbs that would work best in your landscaping. One of the most common problems people have growing bulbs are the critters that snack on them throughout the winter. If you have problems with deer, chipmunks, or squirrels, there are some bulbs that are naturally resistant to these problem animals. Daffodils are resistant to deer while hyacinths ward off, not only deer, but also chipmunks and squirrels as well. Tulips are extremely popular for critters to munch on, but when mixed with daffodils or hyacinths, they are less likely to be eaten.
Additionally, it is wise to think of a design for the bulbs in your garden. First and foremost, consult the bulb package as to when the bulbs bloom. This will allow you to create a staggered effect with bloom times or one colorful spring show. It also allows you to decide what kind of design for planting the bulbs. An easy design involves the height of the flowers and a cascading effect. Generally it is best to place the tallest flowering bulbs, such as tulips, towards the back and place the shorter flowering bulbs towards the front, such as grape hyacinths or crocuses. If the space is circular, place the taller flowering bulbs in the center and work your way out with the medium and smaller heights. Also, when choosing a location, think about sunlight; most bulbs require at least six hours of sunlight a day.
Hyacinths
Planting
The rule of thumb when it comes to how deep to plant a bulb is to plant it three times as deep as the bulb’s height, so remember to keep a small ruler handy! Always plant the bulb with the pointed end facing upwards, or if there is not a pointed end, make sure that the roots are pointing downwards. Before covering the bulb up with soil, mix a little garden fertilizer, such as 10-10-10, in with the soil surrounding the bulb. Do not put it in the bottom of the hole underneath the bulb or directly on top because fertilizer damage may result.
For additional answers to questions, stop by Delhi Flower and Garden Center and talk to one of our many experts!Need more information? Visit our Past Tips page for links to more articles and links to other professional web sites.