Fall Bulb Planting

It is that time of year when we start seeing Fall Bulbs showing up in the stores. Be aware that a Good Price is not always a Good Deal.

You want to look for good firm bulbs, the bigger the better. You do not want the small bulbs or bulbs that feel soft. You will get a small flower from poor quality bulbs. Spend the money and get the best.

Some good choices for our cold climate are Daffodils, Tulips, Crocus, Lily of the Valley and Grape Hyacinths.

When looking at the bulb package, look for bulbs that say late spring. If you haven't noticed many of the bulb packages will say spring, mid spring or late spring. Since our spring is usually cold, the later spring bulbs usually do better and will bloom around mid May.Wait until about the third week in October to plant.

Be sure to add some good compost to the area you are going to plant. Work the compost into the soil. Rule of thumb for bulb planting is to plant the bulbs 3 times deep the size of the bulb. For instance if the bulb is one inch in diameter then you would plant the bulb three inches deep. Work some granular bone meal or bulb food in around bulbs as you plant.

Don't line your bulbs up in rows like tin soldiers. Do some groupings to make a focal point, two bulbs in one hole, maybe three in another hole.

Remember that not all of the bulbs that are offered for sale at the stores will do well in our cold area of La Pine, Oregon