BULBS are an inexpensive way to dress your garden.
They are guaranteed to flower and, in no time, all your windowsill, courtyard or garden areas will be full of fragrant flowers.
Plant bulbs in containers for your balcony, courtyard or windowsill, or plant them directly into the garden. Their versatility is unmatched.
If you haven’t grown bulbs before, now is the time to select your favourites and have a go. Bulbs are guaranteed to flower at least once. All you need is a sunny spot and a watering can.
Any time until late May is good for planting spring flowering bulbs.
Plant your bulbs pointed end up, with the exception of ranunculi, which are planted claws down.
Planting depth is also a consideration, as every bulb is a different size.
The rule of thumb is to plant each bulb twice as deep as the bulb is wide.
After your flower display finishes the leaves will start to yellow and fade.
This is the time when all the plant’s energy is being transferred back into the bulb for next year’s flowering.
At this stage, water again with the liquid bulb food and don’t be tempted to cut off yellowing foliage, as you will disturb this cycle.
Happy planting.
Emma Marks is the owner of Mildura Garden Supplies, Ontario Avenue
