Keep Tulip Bulbs Cold!

One of the most common problems with tulip bulbs is that they don't need that much warmth to start breaking dormancy and begin growing.

So it's not unusual to see tulips growing in the middle of winter during a brief warm spell only to be killed or ruined by a heavy frost or snow a few days later.

To avoid this problem, keep your tulips as cold as possible - as long as possible.

Here's What To Do:

1. Tulips need to be planted in cold soil so they don't send up shoots. Tulips planted in warm soil, or even soil that gets a lot of sun during the day where it can warm up won't do as well.

2. Plant tulips deep! Plant them 8 to 10 inches (20 to 25 cm) deep because if they are planted too shallow, it can lead to premature growth. Deep planting also will produce large, uniform flowers for many years, plus deep planting also makes the bulbs less susceptible to mouse and squirrel damage.

3. Mulch the soil - but only AFTER THE SOIL FREEZES. A 2 to 3 inch (5 to 7.5 cm) layer of shredded leaves, wood shavings, or compost in the winter will keep the soil consistently COLD (not warm).

Other Helpful Articles:

How To Buy Flower Bulbs

Confidently Forcing Bulbs - The Best Ever!
Professional tips and insights into forcing bulbs

The First Flowers of Spring
Five delightful plants that flower well before other, more popular spring bulbs

For more Gardening Tips and Gardening Advice visit our main gardening website at Weekend Gardener Monthly Web Magazine

Have great week!

12 Awesome Perennials for Winter Color

Just because it is going to turn cold in a few months, doesn’t mean your yard has to look dull or lifeless. There are other plant options that you can use to make your yard and garden look great year round.

Helleborus is one of them. Helleborus grows well in Zones 6 to 9, other varieties do well in Zones 3 to 9. This genus has tons of choices that are hardy in many climate zones.

The Christmas Rose is popular for its mid-winter white flowers, often appearing in the snow. Others have flowers in shades of green, red, and purple. Awesome for winter interest, with its great foliage and flowers.

So instead of thinking about plants going dormant, it’s time to start planning and planting a few things that will stay colorful and look good while everything else is brown and leafless.

Click This Link: For a list of 12 Perennials That Will Add Winter Interest to Your Garden