Planting Bulbs

Different bulbs require different planting depths. This is my solution to check the measurement on the depth of the planting hole. Works great. This photo doens't show the handle, but this is a garden spade. Have you ever tried the any of the silly bulb planters for sale? JUNK. They are flimsy as can be, the soil clogs up in them, pure junk. I have often thought of designing my own line of 'real garden tools!' It wouldn't be junky cheap flimsy crap!

Yesterday I planted several hundred asiatic lily bulbs. I will use the flowers in next years bouquets. The hole in the left side of the bulb, was this years flower stalk, so don't be alarmed if you are planting these, nothing is wrong! Pointed end up and roots down, you can't just toss them in.

One lily bulb, 8" deep ready to be covered. They will flower for many years. I also have 100's of tulips that need to get planted yet. Of course I am not planting the 'sharpie' it's for visual perspective.

Princess 'LILY' showed her face in the garden, promising beautiful blooms next year.

Planting bulbs too early in the fall can result in the initiation of growth, only to be frozen over. The bulb uses all it's energy to grow, so if you planted to early and already had growth, you might not get growth next year. The soil should be cold, 50 degrees or less when planting. If a bulb fails to appear in the spring, it won't come back the next year. That is one of the problem w/most of the big box stores vs. nurserys. Your local nurseries hopefully are not selling things at the wrong times of year, I know the others do. If you take my garden classes next year, you'll learn the tricks to be all green thumbs.