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Spring bulbs are showing up everywhere this time of year. Planted now they will bloom in the spring and provide unlimited colour in the spring. They can be planted just about anywhere.
Bulbs such as daffodils and tulips, narcissi and snowdrops all are planted in the fall. During the weeks after they have been planted, the bulbs set roots to absorb nutrients from the soil so they can grow and bloom in the spring. Once the plants have finished blooming, the leaves produce nutrients to feed the bulb for next year’s show.
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The leaves will turn yellow and wither once bulb strength is restored. Once this happens, the leaves can be removed.
Some gardeners dig up their bulbs every year after the leaves wither and replant them in the fall. I do not dig up my bulbs unless they stop blooming and then, I just raise them up closer to the surface and away we go again.
Bulbs should be planted twice as deep as they are big, so if a daffodil bulb six centimetres tall should be planted 12 cm below ground, so the hole needs to be about 18 cm deep. In the case of crocus, which are only about one centimetre in size, they should be put in a hole about five cm deep. If bulbs are planted too deep they will not bloom and if they are planted too shallowly, they tend to fall over.
Use hen manure when you are planting your bulbs. Squirrels do not like the smell of hen manure and tend to leave your bulbs alone. The manure will add extra organic matter to the soil to boost the overall health of the bulbs and the size of their blooms.
There is no such thing as too many bulbs, so have fun picking out colours and bloom times of bulbs to add to your garden.
Denise Hodgins is a professional gardening coach in London. Send your questions to coaching@diggendirtdesigns.com
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