The Procrastination Bulber

We are into mid-December and talking about landscaping and plants this time of years can be a futile efforts. The leaves are off the trees and were recently cleaned up off the streets, we’ve had several hard frosts and thaws but we have yet to see our first snow.

In this bleak weather, we should not forget that there is still sometime time to plant some of those perennial spring bulbs.

Tulips 

Daffodils

Crocus'

These three flowers are among the prettiest early spring bloomers that do not require much effort on the Gardner’s part and are a great project for kids to start learning about gardening and landscaping.

The difficult for procrastinating planters (like myself) is finding bulbs this time of year. Most experts recommend planting spring bulbs in late October to early Novembers or in-between the first soft freeze and the first “hard” freeze. This is ideal however, here in South Eastern, PA, the climate is never quite the same and the ground does not typically cool of and freeze hard until late December (if at all). For this reason many gardening centers do not carry bulbs this time of year.

Thankfully, the internet can solve this problem. A search through garden centers, amazon or even just a google search will yield ample places to purchase bulbs. Even nicer, is the lower cost to the consumer. Buyer beware: if it’s too good of a deal, it probably is. Be sure to research the manufacturer, the distributer to be sure the bulbs you are purchasing are of good quality.

To plant your bulb

1.       Dig a hole about 2-2.5 inches deep.

2.        If you use fertilizer, place the fertilizer in the hole.

 place a layer of dirt between the fertilizer and the bulbs. Some people like to use bonemeal as well. There are benefits to using it but it does attract animals.

3.       Place the bulb with the pointed end up. The roots on most bulbs are visible through the bottom in-case you forget.

4.       Cover with dirt.

5.       After settling for a few hours, water your bulb. It’s ok if it freezes, it will not kill it. Don’t over water it either. It will become moldy and rot.

And we play then the waiting game. This is a great way to teach your kids and get them outdoors. They will learn a lot of good lessons from hard work and reward, patience and is a great way to get them away from that TV.

The bulbs should start to pop up in mid to late February. Crocus’ can bloom anywhere from late February until early April. Daffodils may start to open in Mid March through early May and tulips April into May. The flowers should be watered frequently, however recent years, flowers in the spring have not needed much watering.

Well, I’m off to go do some bulb planting around my home here at the Radnor Nature Preserve. I’ll be posting some photos soon.

Betsy