How to Plant Blubs

Early spring flowers, such as daffodils and tulips, grow from bulbs planted in the fall. The vibrant colors create a stunning visual in the garden when planted in large groupings. Line an existing flower bed with flower bulbs or plant the bulbs around summer-blooming flowers so the new blooms cover the fading flowers of the bulbs. The important thing to remember when planting bulbs is the pointy end faces upward. Plant the flower bulb two and a half times as deep as the bulb is long. In other words, plant a 2-inch bulb 5 inches deep. Plant the flower bulbs in the fall of the year.

Fresh flower bulbs
Shovel
Rake
Peat moss or other organic material
Garden phosphorous
Bulb fertilizer
Bulb planter (optional)

Instructions

- 1
  Prepare the planting site by tilling the soil to a depth of 12 inches. Work a generous amount of peat moss into the soil as you dig. Add phosphorous as directed by the package directions. Level out the planting area with a rake for a smooth garden bed.
- 2
  Lay out the bulbs on top of the soil to determine placing and design. Rearrange the bulbs to your satisfaction. Dig the holes for the bulbs, using a bulb planter or small spade. Measure the depth of the hole so the bulb is beneath the soil two and half to three times its length.
- 3
  Add a small amount of bulb fertilizer to the hole, according to package directions. Place a layer of soil on top of the fertilizer so the roots of the bulb are not scorched when they grow.
- 4
  Place the bulb in the hole pointed end up. Cover the bulb with the soil. Repeat the planting process until you plant all the bulbs. Water the bulbs well. You may choose to mulch the area for added protection over winter.
- 5
  Cut the leaves of the flowers back, the following spring, after the blooms fade and the greens wither. The bulbs need the leaves to gather energy for the next growing season.

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Bulbs