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When to plant and how to prepare soil for fall bulb planting???

Posted by boopadaboo z6 NY (My Page) on
Wed, Oct 6, 04 at 11:01

I know this question could go to the bulbs forum or the soil forum, however I was looking for more local experiences than they might provide.

I am finally ready (I think) to plant my first group of bulbs The shipment of 800! came in yesterday. It is a large bed - I couldn;t afford to get enough for the whole bed this year - so I wanted to start out with one area and then see how it goes from there. I think I have heavy clay soil. I am planning on putting down about 2 inches of topsoil, and then raking that in, and then putting down all the bulbs, and then topping with 5-6 inches of topsoil. All the books say that bulbs like sandy loam - I have no idea what that is or what to add to make it or if that is really necessary.

Any suggestions about soil, bed preperation, when to plant them - would be greatly appreciated!!!


Follow-Up Postings:

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RE: When to plant and how to prepare soil for fall bulb planting

Right now is the time to plant bulbs. I planted 700 tulips last year and lots of people would stop by to let me know they were taking the long way home to pass by and see the garden. It was a lot of fun. I just added some bagged top soil and compost without really bothering too much about quantities. You plant them at twice the depth of the size of each bulb - I mean, if the bulb is 2 inches in diameter, you plant them 6 inches deep. Good luck! And don't forget to add bone meal to the planting holes. I actually finished planting late October last year. You have to plant before the first frost. And please get one of these bulb planters you step on. They are so much better than digging by hand. Though when you find a stone, it's always a pain.


 
 

 

 


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