Tips on planting spring bulbs in autumn #gardeningtips, by Ed Hume Seeds on YouTube. 2 min 55 s.
- Video length
- 2 min 55 s
- Time to do it
- 45 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 8
What you need
Steps
Pick a spot with sun or light shade and soil that drains well. Dig the area over with a fork to about 20 cm deep and mix in a few handfuls of compost.
Choose firm, healthy bulbs and plant them the right way up, pointed end up. Discard any soft or mouldy bulbs before planting.
Set the depth at roughly two to three times the bulb's height. Small crocus go about 8 cm deep, large daffodils about 15 cm.
Space bulbs about two to three times their width apart. For a fuller look, plant in groups of five to ten rather than single rows.
Use a trowel or bulb planter to make each hole, place the bulb in, and firm the soil back over it. Press gently so there are no air pockets.
Water the bed well after planting. This helps the bulbs settle and start rooting before the cold sets in.
For pots, use a free-draining compost, plant in layers with the largest bulbs deepest, and leave 2 cm of space below the rim for watering.
Label the planting spots so you do not dig them up later. Add a light mulch over the soil once the ground cools.
Tips and common mistakes
Plant when soil is cool but not frozen, usually September to November in most temperate areas.
Squirrels dig up tulips, so press the soil firmly and cover beds with netting or chicken wire if needed.
Skip heavy feeding at planting; bulbs already hold the food they need for the first spring.
Wear gloves when handling bulbs and wash your hands afterwards, as some bulbs can irritate skin.
Questions
What happens if I plant bulbs too early?
Warm soil can make bulbs sprout before winter and damage the shoots in frost. Wait until the soil feels cool, usually from mid-autumn.
Can I plant bulbs in pots?
Yes. Use pots with drainage holes and a free-draining compost, and keep them outdoors through winter so they get the cold they need.
Do I need to water bulbs after planting?
Water once after planting to settle the soil. After that, normal autumn rain is usually enough unless the weather stays dry.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
