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October 3, 2001 Bursting
With Bulbs... I hope that all of you Savvygardeners have been out working in the garden these past few days. What a delight! The weather will soon turn so make sure you are preparing your garden for fall and winter. I have already cut back most of my perennials. I have pulled several annuals that just look too tired and have replaced them with something more fall appropriate. Always something new to plant! I am sure that as my older sister in Phoenix is reading this she is laughing because their weather has been a little warmer than usual. Still in the high 90's. Doesn't that sound horrible? No offense Sis, it's just hard to beat the weather that we've been having. Of course she will be enjoying her winter in the 70's while I am crying because it is just too cold here. Oh the sacrifices we make. That's all. I have gone to the garden to plant more bulbs. Happy Autumn!
Bulb
Basics... If you buy your bulbs locally make sure they are firm and solid. Avoid any that are shriveled, discolored by mold or contain soft spots. Bargain bulbs are often smaller than others and may not be a true bargain since bigger bulbs produce better displays. When choosing a planting location make sure the soil is fertile and well drained. While most prefer a sunny spot the shade cast by deciduous trees should not be a concern. In early spring they will still be leafless and plenty of sunlight will reach your bulbs. Bulbs look best when planted in large groups. Planted alone or in rows like soldiers they look lonely and uninteresting at best. For a natural look, scatter a bunch of them in the garden and plant them where they land. Another way to choose a planting location is to place them among ornamental grasses, hostas and other perennials. As they grow, these plants will help hide the yellowing foliage that remains after the bulbs are done blooming. To ensure proper planting depth the rule-of-thumb is to plant at a depth of 2½ to 3 times the height of the bulb. An inordinate amount of worry is given to planting bulbs "right-side-up". Generally bulbs should be planted with their pointed ends up but if you're not sure just lay the bulb on its side. Mother Nature will ensure that the flower blooms up. Bulb Booster or bone meal can be incorporated into the soil at the time of planting but these fertilizers are more important for the development of next year's bulb than they are for the upcoming flowers of this year's bulb. After planting water thoroughly to provide plenty of moisture for root growth. Additional watering during a dry winter will also help. Tender
Care For Tender Bulbs... The bulbs will overwinter well in a dark, cool place (45 to 50 degrees F.) when stored in vermiculite, peat moss, or similar material. It is also recommended to dust with a fungicide (Bordeaux mixture) and insecticide (Sevin dust) to curb disease and insect development in storage. Except for daffodils, mice and other rodents consider bulbs of all kinds to be premium food, so store bulbs where these pests will not have access to them. The
Plant That Came In From The Cold...
Rose
Tips by Al Karsten... Watering
Wisdom...
What's
Hot On The Hotline... Time For
Lime? Finally... ~ Albert Camus, Novelist, 1913-1960 |
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