Home & Garden Tips
Planting bulbs in the fall for spring color
By Roosevelt McWilliams County Extension Agent

Now that soil temperatures have fallen, it is time to plant the bulbs (tulips, daffodils, hyacinth,

etc.) that will make beautiful flowers in the spring. Bulbs need a well-pre- pared soil bed in which

to grow. Tulips,

in particular, need to be planted deeply in a well-drained bed.

The majority of bulbous plants are actually less particular about soil than many other cultivated plants. Most, however, prefer a moist, well- drained medium sandy loam which does not remain wet and sticky after a heavy rain or dry out too quickly. Good drainage is essential. If in doubt, test for drainage before planting.

Dig a hole about a foot deep and fill it with water. The next day you should fill the hole with water again and see how long it remains. If the water drains away in eight to ten hours, the soil is sufficiently well drained to grow most bulbs.

If drainage is a problem, sandy soil or heavy clay, you may need to use a soil amendment. Peat moss, bark, rotted sawdust; compost, perlite, vermiculite, coarse sand and many other materials have been used successfully. The type of amendment needed depends on the structure and texture of the existing soil, drainage, and the type of bulbs to be grown. Spread several inches of material on the soil surface and thoroughly incorporate it. In extreme cases, you may need to install drainage lines or construct raised beds to ensure good drainage.

A pH of 6.0 to 6.8 is best for most bulbs. Incorporate lime if a soil test indicates a need for it. In the absence of a soil test, add one to two pounds of 5- 10-10, 10-10-10, or 8-8-8 fertilizers per 100 sq. ft. of bed space. Organic fertilizers, such as bone meal, are often recommended for bulbs but are probably no better than inorganic sources used at the proper rates. Incorporate lime, fertilizer, and any soil amendments thoroughly and deeply, at least 12 inches. Do not attempt to work the soil when it is too wet. If you can crumble the soil between your fingers, it is dry enough for digging and planting.

Using early, mid, and late blooming bulb varieties can have a good display of color. Cover the bulbs with the reserved soil. You might consider planting pansies or perennials over the bulb bed to provide for cover during the winter months.

Finish by mulching to provide cover during the winter months. You can mulch with pine straw to protect bulbs foliage when it emerges in early spring.