martin’s home & garden presents planting bulbs...asiatic lilies lilies did you know that...

Martin’s Home & Garden presents

Planting Bulbs

Planting bulbs may seem intimidating, but don't underestimate yourself! Even beginner gardeners can be successful.

Did you know there are four types of bulbs?▷ True bulbs (ex. tulips)▷ Corms (ex. gladioli)▷ Rhizomes (ex. irises)▷ Tubers (ex. ranunculus)

We'll go over a few things in this guide, including when is the best time to plant bulbs, and we'll highlight some garden staples. But while we’ll give you some general guidelines to keep in mind, always read the directions provided for your chosen plant to give them the best chance for blooming success.

Have any questions? Give our team a call at 615-867-7121!

Martin’s Home & Garden Murfreesboro, TN www.martinshomeandgarden.com


When to plant

For Summer Flowers

As cold weather ends, it’s time to plant summer-blooming bulbs. Wait until the last frost is over (Middle Tennessee’s average last frost date is April 15).

Summer-blooming bulbs are more tender than spring-blooming ones. If you want them to survive winter temperatures, you will need to dig them up and store them until the weather is more favorable.

Some of our favorite summer bloomers are amaryllis, begonias, caladiums, cannas, dahlias, and gladiolas.

For Spring Flowers

While you’re planting your mums and pansies in the fall, start thinking about your spring garden. Plant spring-blooming bulbs in cooler weather allows them to “winter over.” This period of cold activates their flowering processes. A good rule of thumb is to plant when average nighttime temperatures are 50°.

If you purchase your bulbs before temperatures drop, no worries. They can be stored in the fridge for up to 10 weeks. Keep them away from ethylene gas-releases fruits like apples, or else they may rot.

Some of our favorite spring bloomers are crocus, hyacinth, irises, narcissus, ranunculus, and tulips.



Storing Summer-Blooming Bulbs

After the first hard freeze, carefully dig up the bulb and its roots.

Let the bulb dry thoroughly in a sheltered, frost-free area. The soil should come cleanly off the roots when it’s completely dry.

Find a container with a tight-fitting lid. Place a layer of either sand, vermiculite, peat moss, or newspaper in the bottom. Then, place a single layer of bulbs that don’t touch their neighbor. Repeat these layers until the container is full or you have no bulbs left. Label the container with what bulbs are inside.

Store the container in a cool (but frost-free) and dark location until spring. Check the container occasionally to make sure none are rotting.

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How to plant


Placement

Bulbs don't like "wet feet." In other words, don't plant your bulbs in places in your garden where the soil doesn't drain well. Pay attention to where water tends to pool and avoid those areas.

Make sure your chosen spot will get at least four to six hours of direct sunlight each day.

Keep the heights of your bulbs in mind as you decide their placement. Plant the taller flowers in the back and shorter ones in the front.

Bulbs look best when planted in large groups. The more, the merrier! For a natural look, throw out a handful in your garden beds and plant them where they land.


Dig a hole to the depth of 2-3 times the height of the bulb. Amend the soil to be well-draining, if necessary. Clear out any rocks, weeds, or other debris.

Add Espoma Organic Bulb-tone to the bottom of the hole according to the package’s instructions.

Place your bulb in the hole with its pointy end down. Not sure which end is the pointy end? Place the bulb on its side; the flower will still find its way to the top.

Cover your bulb with the soil, but don’t pack the soil on top. Water well.

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What to plant


Crocus

Crocus is one of the first flowers to bloom in the spring, even if there is snow on the ground! Their blooms contain lots of pollen for hungry bees. But watch out for squirrels – they have been known to dig up and eatcrocus bulbs.

Crocus reaches a height of 2 - 3 inches. They bloom in late winter to early spring. After they have bloomed, water them when the soil is dry.

Allium

Allium

Also known as ornamental onion, allium will give you one of the longest lasting flowers compared to other bulbs. They are resistant to deers but bring beautiful butterflies to your garden.

Allium reaches a height of 2 - 4 inches. They bloom in late spring. Keeptheir soil evenly moist, but take care to not overwater.

Crocus


Garlic and Onions

Yes, even delicious garlic and onions grow from bulbs! Both of them can be planted in the spring and the fall.

They do have different water requirements. Garlic should be watered every few days; onions don’t need to be watered as much. However, the more you water your onions, the sweeter they will be.

Daffodils

Daffodils or Narcissus

Two names for one beautiful flower. They are resistant to deers and rabbits but attract butterflies and hummingbirds. Great addition to your rock garden!

Daffodils reach a height of 8 - 18 inches. They bloom in early to mid spring. After they have bloomed, water them when the soil is dry.

Garlic


Tulips

Tulips are a garden classic! With blooms in solids, stripes, and every color under the rainbow, you have lots of options to choose from to get the garden of your dreams. Butterflies love them!

Tulips reach a height of 16 - 24 inches. They bloom in mid to late spring. After they have bloomed, water them when the soil is dry.

Asiatic Lilies

Lilies

Did you know that lilies have been growing in gardens for over 3,000 years? They’re a beautiful, easy way to add vibrant color to your garden!

Lilies reach a height of 3 - 4 feet. They bloom in early spring to late summer. After they have bloomed, water them when the soil is dry. While most lilies need to be planted in fall, canna and calla varieties are planted in the spring.

Tulips

1020 Northwest Broad StreetMurfreesboro, TN 37129

(615) 867-7121

www.martinshomeandgarden.com

martin’s home & garden presents planting bulbs...asiatic lilies lilies did you know that...

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