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The Right Site for Bulbs
Planting Site Considerations
Bulbs have a place in every garden, so choosing a site for planting them is usually is easy.
You may choose to plant your bulbs in containers or window boxes. Those with small-space gardens may pick a landscape planter or a small bed, while those blessed with larger yards have more options on where to plant bulbs.
Large-area planting options include island beds, borders, as edges to paths and fences, dividing or adding to existing plantings of flowering shrubs, making a necklace around the base of a tree, and dozens of other choices.
Soil and Site
You’ve already looked at your site’s conditions [see: Regional Tips for Bulbs]. Now take a close look at the soil and planting considerations so your bulbs will thrive in their new home [see: Preparing Soil for Bulbs].
What is the condition of the soil? Has the bed been used to grow other plants, lain fallow for a few years, or was the site disturbed when your home was constructed? Is the soil dense and compacted, or loose and sandy? Will you need to add fertilizers and amendments to bolster its nutrients and correct its acid-alkaline balance, or pH?
What nutrition, watering, and other care needs do your perennials, shrubs, and trees require? Will they be disturbed when you lift your tulips, daffodils, and other bulbs after they bloom?
Will your site host spring or summer bulbs, and will you plant them amid other annual and perennial flowers, or woody shrubs and ground covers?
Ask and seek answers to these questions to determine the bulbs you’ll plant and what must be done to your planting site.
Bulb Planting Checklist
Here are some important questions that need answers as you plan to plant bulbs your garden.
In landscaping, as in most other projects, you’ll benefit if you think ahead about all the tasks that must be done.
Planning an orderly flow of steps and arranging for tools and materials ahead of when they’re need saves time and avoids duplicate effort.
Take a minute or two to read through the questions that follow and answer those that apply to your bulb-planting project.
Location and Conditions:
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- In what U.S.D.A. plant hardiness zone is your garden located [see: Bulb Basics and Regional Tips for Bulbs]?
- Is it subject to microclimates caused by elevation, slope, sun and wind exposure, or nearby structures?
- How does your climate affect your plans?
- Is your soil loose and well-drained, or compacted?
- Will you perform a soil test for nutrients and acid-alkaline balance [see: Preparing Soil for Bulbs]?
- What amendments and fertilizers are needed?
- Will you need new garden features, structures, or paths?
- What is the overall size of your plantings?
- Will you plant spring-, summer-, or autumn-blooming bulbs [see: Bulbs and Seasons of Bloom]?
Site:
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- How large is the site, and how is it naturally divided?
- What priorities do you have?
- Has your site previously been used for plantings?
- What steps are necessary to make your garden suitable for bulbs?
- Will you install garden systems—electric, plumbing, lighting—or add features?
- Is help readily available, or will you seek the aid of a professional?
- How long will it take to assemble tools and equipment and to install the garden?
- How much time is available for maintenance and care?
Preparation:
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- Do trees, shrubs, or other plants and structures require removal?
- Will you plant in lawn or turfgrass?
- When will you build planter boxes, obtain containers, and install garden features or systems?
- Will you prepare soil for planting by amending and fertilizing the site?
- What tools, equipment, and materials will you require?
- Is the season and weather right for planting?
- Do you have all the bulbs you’ll need to complete the planting?