Before the first snow fall is an excellent time to be planting bulbs that will greet the spring of 2011. The first critical step is to prepare the soil. Bulbs need good drainage to avoid rotting in the ground so the best soil is a sandy loam. In Madison too much clay in the soil is the most common problem. To treat clay soil add organic matter such as peat or sand to a depth of 8-12 inches.
If cared for correctly all bulbs are perennials. It is best to plant them where they will receive full sun. bulb needs to survive Wisconsin winters. Let the leaves droop and turn yellow.
When planting bulbs use an organic fertilizer – the best is bone meal. The key is to mix the fertilizer with the soil – never plant bulbs directly with fertilizer. There are two planting methods. The first is to dig out a large area and for a cluster of bulbs. The result will be a carpet of flowers in the spring. The second method is to layer bulbs. Dig a deep hole and plant the bulb needing more depth, cover with soil plant another bulb and layer them. The result in the spring will be a succession of flowers. The key for the Madison area is plant deep – most bulbs should be planted minimum of 8 inches to be successful.
Watering depends on when a freeze is expected. We should still be several weeks away from a hard freeze so water bulbs after planting. If you expect a freeze – don’t water.
To protect bulbs from rodents you can use a physical barrier of some time or a taste/smell repellent such as cayenne pepper or a BULB SAVER product.
Plant now and you can welcome spring with a beautiful display of flowers next spring.
