Believe it or not, right now's the time to think about gorgeous Spring color in your garden. Daffodils, crocuses, hyacinths, irises and tulips all bring splashes of blue, white, purple, yellow, pink and red to days that can still feel cold and dreary. By planning and planting now, you can have the best results for your efforts.
Just when should you plant your bulbs? Ideally after the first frost, so that the cool weather keeps them safe from damage. The zone that you live in controls your planting time, so check with your nursery to ensure that you are planting your bulbs during the right time for your zone. You can also check here at http://www.ufseeds.com/Find-Your-Zone_700ff99396dedad5f.html
Where's the best place to plant? We recommend that you plant your bulbs at least 5 feet out from your foundations, as heat from the buildings can damage them. Make sure your soil is well-drained, and that it's pH falls between 6.0 and 7.0.
How far apart, how deep? Generally, large bulbs can be planted 8 inches deep and 6 inches apart. Small bulbs should be planted at 5 inches deep and about 3 inches apart. All bulbs should be planted pointy-side up. It's best to put a bit of fertilizer in the bottom of each hole you dig before you put in the bulb. After covering your bulbs with soil, mulch about 3 inches deep over the top to protect your bulbs.
In our area, the deer think bulbs are a tasty addition to their diet, and will paw up bulbs that are shallow - especially irises and tulips. So, take care to plant properly and enjoy your results!
