"For bed prep, bulbs like well-drained soil,
so avoid low-lying areas," says Hrycyna.
"After there's been a rain, assess where in
the garden you have the best drainage,
and whether there is full sun, because in
addition to drainage, a lot of the bulbs
require as much sun as you can get. Six
hours of daily sunlight is considered full
sun, which bulbs crave."
Loosen up the soil but don't make it too
rich with fertilizers.
"Clay buster will help break up that
binding clay through the winter and make
it easier for plants to come through the
soil in spring," she says.
"Planting with bone meal will give
plants some locked-in organic matter
for development when they come out of
dormancy."
Once your site is prepped, plant at a
depth about three times the size of the
bulb. Whatever you do, do not plant your
bulbs upside down.
They go into the ground pointy side up
and root side (which looks like hairs) down.
If you are unsure, plant them sideways and
they will make their way up.
For a more natural look, avoid straight
rows of "little soldiers." Hrycyna says
clusters look better.
"Try to scatter them and plant them where
they land."
BEAUTIFUL
BLOOMING BULBS
— Cont'd from page 139
140 Parade of Homes FALL 2022
