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October 3, 2001

Bursting With Bulbs...
I will have you know that I am now planting bulbs in my sleep.  Kevin and I journeyed out to our sponsors last weekend and purchased close to 800 bulbs!  How many have we planted thus far?  Oh, I would say about 400 so I guess we better get busy and plant the remaining 400 before the ground freezes.  No need to panic, by the looks of the weather I think we still have plenty of time to finish up.  I am so excited about next spring as I am busily planting one bulb after another.  We have planted our new shade garden (which is fairly large in size) with clumps of about 400 tulip bulbs.  I cannot wait to see the display of color.  We chose a Greigii tulip called "America" - yellow tipped with red, it should be fabulous!  We also purchased some red, white and blue tulip bulbs to plant out front underneath the flag in remembrance of everyone who was involved in the tragic events of September 11th.  We have strategically tried to plant early, middle and late bloomers so there is consistent color starting in March.  What a great way to welcome Spring!  I will make sure that we take pictures to share with all of you.  

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!

~ Shelly  

Bulb Basics...
As temperatures continue to fall Savvygardeners will want to start planting their spring-flowering bulbs.  Bulbs can be planted right up until the ground freezes but we like to get started early to mid-October.  That way there's still time to buy more and get them planted if the mood strikes us.

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...
After a light frost, dig canna, glads, dahlias and other tender bulbs for winter storage.  Keep pace with the weather by lifting or harvesting tender bulbs and corms that are desired for next season.  Be sure to dig the bulbs carefully, retrieve any offsets that may have developed, and leave the foliage intact.  Place the bulbs in an airy, sheltered spot to dry for a two to three week period.  Except for begonias, foliage and stems can be cut off with a sharp knife near but not at the point where they emerge from the bulb.  Allow begonia stems to dry until they are brittle enough to break off from the 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.

Source

The Plant That Came In From The Cold...
Hopefully you brought your houseplants inside before the chilly overnight temperatures hit.  If you did not, and they are still healthy, it's time to bring them in.  Be sure to check them for pests.  Simply rinsing the plants' leaves, and soaking the pots in water for 15 to 20 minutes will drown most soil-dwelling pests.  Also, clean the windows where plants will be placed.  It can dramatically increase available sunlight and make for a much healthier plant!

Rose Tips by Al Karsten...
Fall just started but winter should be on the mind of rose lovers!  Later this month rose gardeners need to start putting their roses to bed.  Make sure you're ready by reading Rose Tips by Al Karsten...

Watering Wisdom...
Just because your plants have slowed down their growth doesn't mean your work with them is done for the season.  One of the most common reasons for otherwise healthy plants not surviving winter is lack of moisture.  Good watering practices now will encourage healthy root growth that will protect many plants when cold weather arrives. 

What's Hot On The Hotline...
The hotline staff just finished a great three-day conference for Kansas Extension Master Gardeners.  Sounds like fun and lot's of learning!  Find out what they did and how you might participate in the future in this week's What's Hot on the Hotline... 

Time For Lime?
If the results of a soil test suggest that your lawn or garden needs an application of lime now is the time to do it.  Never had a soil test before?  Shame on you!  Resolve to get one done this month.  We've posted easy to follow instructions on the Savvygardener.com website. 

Finally...
"Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower."

~ Albert Camus, Novelist, 1913-1960

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