Charlie Nardozzi of the National Gardening Association shares some tips for planting a spring bulb garden that will thrive. Before you buy bulbs, you should know the grading system: DN1, DN2 and DN3. DN stands for "double nose." DN3 bulbs are smaller, may not flower the first year and are usually sold in bulk. DN2 bulbs are larger and produce good flowers. The DN1 is the Cadillac of daffodils and produces the largest and the most numerous flowers. Tulips are sold as "top size" or "premium." You spend more money for larger bulbs, but in most cases they're worth it. If your garden is small and space is at a premium, you can plant bulbs in layers, with one variety on top of another--for example, tulips planted first, with tiny crocuses near the soil surface. Plant larger bulbs deeper in the soil, smaller ones above them. One simple way to do this is to plant bulbs in a wire basket. Planting this way also prevents gophers, chipmunks, voles, mice and moles from bothering your plantings. If hungry rodents are a problem in your garden, consider using a repellent product made of crushed oyster shells. Place a small handful in the bottom of each planting hole. If you have heavy clay soil, plant your bulbs a little more shallowly than the package recommends; if your soil is sandy, plant them a bit deeper. Tip: - Many kinds of bulb-planting tools are available at nurseries and garden centers.
Bulbs in Containers Planting bulbs in containers is a great way to display spring-blooming bulbs. Fill a clay container half-full of good potting soil. Add a handful of superphosphate fertilizer, and mix it in. Place the bulbs as close together as you can get them. It's all right if the sides of the bulbs touch. Cover with soil, leaving room to water. Water the pot until the winter rains start. Place the pot in an out-of-the-way spot until you begin to see top growth. Then move the pot out for a fabulous flower show.
RESOURCES :
Gardening tools
A.M.Leonard Inc.
Piqua, OH 45356
Fax: 800-433-0633
Email: info@amleo.com
Website: www.amleo.com
Gardening supplies
Gardener's Supply Company
Burlington, VT 05401-2850
Fax: 800-551-6712 -or- 80
Email: info@gardeners.com
Website: www.gardeners.com
Taylors Guide to Bulbs
Model: 0395404495
Author: Norman Taylor
1986
Houghton Mifflin Co.
Boston, MA 02116
Phone: 617-351-5000
Email: tradecustomerservice@hmco.com
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