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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.
Along with stocking your garden with spring bulbs, consider planting a few pots
with the fresh spring flowers. That way you can move the blooms where you want
them, and even easily bring them indoors. To plant a pot of spring bulbs, follow
these steps:
Fill a clay container halfway with soil.
Put in as many bulbs as you can fit in a single layer, with the pointed ends
up.
Cover the bulbs with more soil, leaving enough room at the top so you can water
easily without soil coming out.
Put the pot in the back of your garden, and keep it damp until the winter rains
start.
When the flowers bloom, bring the pot inside or put it on your patio, and enjoy.
Order flowers online with Enchanted Flowers for all occasions!
Call 905-889-2538 to speak to a customer service representative or visit
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