Home-garden expert Carol Reese explains how to plant spring-blooming bulbs in containers and baskets to brighten the dreary days of late winter. (Note: For this project, make sure to purchase prechilled bulbs.) Line the basket with plastic to prevent water from leaking out, and place a plastic saucer inside the basket for further protection. Choose a clay pot that will fit inside the basket. Fill the pot half full of fresh potting soil. A mix with lots of vermiculite or perlite will provide good drainage for bulbs. Indoor bulbs are planted a bit higher than outdoor plants because insulation from the cold isn't necessary. Cluster bulbs in the pot so that bloom color will be displayed in blocks. Cover the larger bulbs with planting mix, and add smaller bulbs so that their tops are even with those of the larger bulbs. Cover with soil, and water. Once the bulbs are planted, you may add some plants to the soil, right on top of the bulbs. Once you've planted the pot, add ivy in 4" containers around the outside of the pot but inside the basket. Make sure the saucer is large enough to accommodate all the plants, with no overflow of water. Hide the plastic ivy pots with decorative moss. Featured plants provided by Wolf River Valley Farms
RESOURCES :
For supplies from Bemis Manufacturing
Bemis Manufacturing
Sheboygan Falls, WI 53085
U.S.
Phone: 920-467-4621
Fax: 920-467-8573
Website: www.corp@bemismfg.com
For supplies from the Gardener's Supply Co.
Gardener's Supply Company
Burlington, VT 05401-2850
Fax: 800-551-6712 -or- 80
Email: info@gardeners.com
Website: www.gardeners.com
For plants from Wolf River Valley Farms
Wolf River Valley Farms
Pall Mall, TN 38577
Fax: 1-931-879-5479
Email: pwpg@twlakes.net
Website: www.wolfriver.net
GUESTS :
Carol Reese
UT Agricultural Extension Service
5201 Marchant Drive
Nashville, TN 37211-5201
Phone: 615-834-5162
Fax: 615-832-0043
Email: CentralDist@cru.gw.utk.edu
Website: www.utextension.utk.edu
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