November 30, 2009      Fall Bulbs and Holiday Greenery

    Fall planting season for bulbs is now upon us. Hopefully you've purchased your bulbs (tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, crocus etc.) as selection is best in October and early November. Now that the weather has become more consistently cold, here are some planting tips:

* Choose firm bulbs free of mold or mildew.
* Plant in late fall after first freeze (usually 5th November. It is late this year) and before January 1st.
* Plant bulbs to a depth equaling three times the height of the bulb.
* Space small bulbs 2-4 inches apart, 4-6 inches for larger bulbs.
* To figure how many tulip bulbs you'll need for a given area, figure about 5 bulbs per square foot.
* Be sure your soil is well-drained and well prepared. Bulbs don't do well in clay or compacted soils.
* Add bulb food, bone meal or superphosphate to the soil, mixing it in as you plant.
* Bulbs must be watered in thoroughly when planted and regularly through the dormant season.
* Blooming time can be prolonged by planting several varieties or species of bulbs, for example..
  Crocus is usually the earliest to bloom (late Feb), followed by daffodils, hyacinths, tulips (there are early, mid and late season varieties) alliums, dutch iris and lycoris (naked ladies) which will bloom in August.

   Also, decorating for the holidays is upon us and using fresh greens is always a wonderful holiday tradition. Not only do they look better than artificial greens, they provide your home with the wonderful aroma of the holidays. Here are some tips to keep those greens as fresh as possible:

* Always choose greenery whose needles are soft and supple and hold on well to the branches.
* Presoak before using in warm or tepid water for about an hour to hydrate foliage as much as possible.
* Let greens drip dry, then spray with an antitranspirant like "Wilt Stop" to reduce moisture loss. Clear hair spray works well too.
* Keep away from heat or an open flame.
* Avoid direct sun as mush as possible, the more sun they get, the faster they dry out.
* Always store your greenery in the shade until ready to use.

Happy Holidays!

Steve Smith, The Dirt Dude

ssmith@southwoodnursery.com