Last Chance to Plant Bulbs

Last Chance to Plant Bulbs

Changeable and unsettled conditions are expected across the UK during this coming week. Low pressure systems will tend to dominate meaning showers or longer spells of rain for much of the UK, though there will likely be some brief settled interludes. Some heavy rain or showers are expected, most often in the west, although with a risk some of this could spread to other areas at times.

Get ready for strong winds, especially around coasts and when deep areas of low pressure form in the vicinity of the UK. Temperatures will likely be close to average or slightly above overall with southerly winds .

Observations about Bulbous Flowers

The first daffodil shoot can be seen in the south of England.

Have you seen any yet in your area?

That shows to me it is now or never to plant your bulbs. To be honest, I just planted the last bulbs and will plant more next week

In my memory the crocuses and snowdrops used to bloom first then the daffodils and grape hyacinths and then were followed by tulips.

Traditionally, crocus and narcissi were planted at any point until early December. Tulips were planted until late autumn, while snowdrops and other small bulbs are best planted immediately after purchase.

Tips for Planting Bulbs

Plant your bulbs 2-3 times deeper than their diameter.

If in a lawn I just poke the spade in to 1 1/2 inch (3.5 cm) deeper than the depth of planting, rock the spade back and forth to compact the soil around the planting hole.

Then prepare planting holes with ½ inch (1 cm) of sharp sand at the bottom, add another inch of well rotted bd compost, place two or three bulbs into the compost and cover them with more well rotted bio-dynamic compost to finally cover the whole with just the sod. Before covering the bulbs I shave off the rest of the soil with my Chillington hoe and distribute it on the lawn, which will grow back stronger next year.

There is nothing as joyful and uplifting for our spirit than the continuous beauty unfolding in our gardens, becoming food for daring insects, coming out in late winter or now even during the winter months.

So, please, share with us your experiences of growing bulbs and flowering shrubs and ornamentals.

Next week, I’ll be posting about the magical Three Kings Preparation

With Advent Greetings

Hans-Günther