Bulb Planting Tips

1.  Spring-flowering bulbs thrive in full or partial sun. Good drainage is important for most bulbs, so avoid placing them in soggy areas and in low-lying parts of the garden where water pools during wet winters and spring thaw.

2.  Dig a hole or trench large enough for several bulbs. Bulbs are most effective when planted in bunches.  You may want to use a shovel when planting many bulbs together.  If you are planting a few bulbs here and there, a bulb planting tool works great.

3.  Bulb size dictates how deep to plant. As a rule, plant large bulbs such as tulips, daffodils and ornamental onions (alliums) about 8 to 12 inches deep and set smaller bulbs such as crocus and snowdrops 4 to 6 inches deep.  The package also will tell you planting depth if you are unsure.

4.  Space large bulbs 3 to 6 inches apart and small ones 1 to 2 inches apart. If you're confused about which end is up, just place them sideways, and they will right themselves.

5.  Cover bulbs with soil and water generously. Later, when the ground cools you can apply 2 to 3 inches of mulch to the surface, such as compost, well-rotted manure, shredded bark or chopped up leaves. This helps to prevent soil from drying out and to help keep temperatures stable through the winter.

6.  At planting time, you don't actually need to apply fertilizer, as the bulbs have already been fattened up for bloom. However, for bulbs that will stay in place for a number of seasons, enrich the soil in the planting area with good organic compost or well-rotted cow manure worked into the soil when planting. You can also use a slow-release bulb food when planting.

Keeping squirrels away from bulbs

Squirrels consider tulips and crocuses tasty treats, but fortunately, find daffodils unappetizing. Bulbs are most vulnerable after planting, when the soil is still soft from being dug up, and squirrels often discover them while burying nuts.

To help discourage squirrels, plant bulbs deeply, firm the soil down well, throw a few leaves on top and then clean up any trace of bulb planting. 

For serious theft problems, place chicken wire on top of the planted area and anchor it with pegs cut from wire coat hangers. The squirrels won't enjoy digging through the mesh and you can remove it once the ground begins to freeze.