Starting
Bulbs
Forget the stock market!
For an investment that provides great returns, it's hard to beat
the planting of bulbs. Winter's a little more bearable knowing that
the crocuses and daffodils that were planted at the first hint of
cold are patiently waiting to explode into spring colors.
While it is possible
to "force" bulbs to flower during the winter, allowing
them to bloom outside at their traditional time is the easiest way
to go. Fill a container partially full of soil that will provide
for good drainage. A good rule of thumb in planting bulbs is that
they should be buried 2-3 times their height. Hence, larger bulbs
will be planted deeper than small ones, and you can even plant them
in layers, small atop large with the layers separated by dirt. Bone
meal or bulb food can be sprinkled around the bulbs to help them
mature, and bulbs should be kept from touching each other. Water
thoroughly, and keep soil moist unless it freezes.
After your spring floral
display has passed, feel free to clean up the dead flowers and stalks,
but leave the foliage. The bulb needs the green leaves to store
up energy to bloom next year!
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