Tuesday, August 25, 2009

Planting Bulbs

Inviting Path
Inviting Path

I love fall and one thing I look forward to is planting spring flowering bulbs. Some of my favorites are daffodils, tulips and irises. They are so easy to plant that even amateurs like me can do it. I love going to the store and looking at all the different types of bulbs and thinking about where they would look best. I think they are so pretty under a deciduous tree and they can get plenty of sun before the tree puts on its leaves.

We buy the bulbs fairly early in the fall and then put them in the refrigerator for a month or two before we plant them. I'm sure someone else could explain it better, but from what I remember the bulbs need to have cold temperatures for a certain length of time before they will flower and here in Texas that means the fridge. It does get cold in my part of Texas (we are in zone 7), but not for long periods of time. if you live somewhere colder, get them in the ground before it's frozen.

We also buy bulb fertilizer (the cheap kind at WalMart)and mix some in the hole that we dig for the bulb, but I've heard some people say this is unnecessary...you decide. :) Make sure you plant the bulb right side up. It will say on the package but it's usually with the point up.

I like to plant a lot of bulbs together. There's just something about a mass of tulips in a flower bed or along a path. They look so much better that way to me than in a thin line or in one or two lonely spots.

What are your favorite flowers? Do you like to plant bulbs?

11 comments:

Love the Decor! said...

I love bulbs as well. I like to plant hyacinths and crocus. But always plant tulips and daffodils too.
It is always a joy to see the crocus popping up in the remains of snow in early spring. Almost always a sign that winter is nearing an end.

Scientific Housewife said...

I love dahlias and gerbera daisies but they don't seem to do too well in Florida since the ones I did have died on me. I have a beatiful purple flowering bush that I don't know the name of that is doing very well. I've never tried to plant bulbs but I might try it next year.

Laura said...

I plant caladiums every year, but I have never bought the bulbs in the fall. I am in zone 9. I will start buying them and putting them in the fridge. What do you think?

Laura

Anonymous said...

I love seeing the spring bulbs come up too. Winter is a difficult time for me but the irises and snowdrops tell me that the days are getting longer ...

Kari said...

My favorite flower is the Rose...but you mentioned tulips and those may be my second fave! I'm so excited about fall, too!

Oh, and I read your previous post about changes...it was a simple post, but so sweet. God bless your son as he serves our country. My cousin is getting ready to be deployed back to Iraq for a year. It's tough--but Philippians 4:6-7 is such a great passage to remember--thanks for sharing it!

Kelly said...

I haven't planted them before, but as the winter last year was winding down and I was so anxious for some color in the yard, I promised myself I was going to plant them this fall. And you better believe I'm planting a bunch!

50s Housewife said...

Laura, I don't know if it would work but nothing ventured, nothing gained right? ;) Let me know if you try it!

Kelly, you'll have to post what you plant, along with pictures of course. :)

Tracey said...

I love bulbs very much. I have some tulips and crocous in my yard, but would love to have a island full of Iris'. I love the deep blue color and how they look. Maybe someday I'll get up enough extra energy and do a mass planting.

momstheword said...

I am phasing out my flower garden as it just bothers my allergies to much. But I love seeing tulips and daffodils pop up in the spring.

I have a ton of favorite flowers and plants. But I really love roses and carnations.

Newcelebrityblog said...

WOW! This is absolutely fantastic! I love bulbs very much. Thanks

Young Wife said...

I love bulbs! They're the only plants I can grow. I did not inherit my grandmother's green thumb. ;)