Gardening tip: How to pick the best bulbs to plant in your garden this fall – Utica Observer Dispatch

Planting lights in drop creates a beautiful garden in spring. The word “bulb” is used to describe certain plants; however, technically the particular plant grows from an underground organ referred as the bulb.   Bulbs come in assorted forms, such as tubers or corms.   They can be hardy and come back every year or can be tender annuals, such because dahlias.   Do your homework in order to find the best choices to fit your backyard.

Good bulb, bad bulb.   You can buy bulbs within local garden centers.   To choose the best, select the particular biggest, heaviest and one that is unblemished.   It’s OK to have the papery tunic missing and a few small blemishes that wipe off easily with your finger.   A bad bulb is one that will is dry, lightweight or even soft. Bad bulbs can also have a slight odor.   Don’t limit yourself to only bulbs in the garden center.   There are many reputable mail-order bulb sources; buying bulbs this way allows you more choices.

Planting tips.   Generally, you should plant lights three to four times the height of the bulb.   Use the right tool.   A soil knife is good for just a few bulbs or planting in tight spaces.   Consider a shovel for mass plantings. Plant the bulb so the pointed end will be up.   Some lights may be difficult to tell which side is up.   Not to worry; bulbs will figure out how to correct themselves!   Bone meal is not the great light bulb fertilizer; it can attract pests.   Feed bulbs compost instead.

If you have a deer problem, consider daffodils, grape hyacinth, hyacinth or windflowers (Anemone spp. ).   Some animals such since chipmunks, squirrels, or voles can eat the bulb itself.   Consider using light bulb cages or plant bulbs deeper.   Most creatures dig down to about six inches; plant deeper and the particular animals may pass over your lights.  

You can grow bulbs now until late November or even until the ground freezes.   A little work now will result in a great-looking garden next spring.  

Home and garden questions could be emailed in order to Cornell Cooperative Extension Oneida County at [email protected]. edu or call 315-736-3394, press 1 and then Ext 333.     Leave your own question, name and phone number.     Questions are answered weekdays, 8am to 4 pm.     Also, visit our website at https://cceoneida.com/ .