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Tuesday, January 5, 2016

So, I got this fantastic deal on spring-flowering bulbs . . .

. . . but our ground was too frozen to dig for planting.

Not exactly gardening weather in my neighborhood these days


In late November and early December, I bought 80 daffodil bulbs, 20 Dutch hyacinth, 15 grape hyacinth, and 40 tulip bulbs, for 75% off the original price. My obstacle was how to plant them, with frozen soil and super cold temperatures. No one in their right mind would want to be out for long, working in the garden this time of year.

So, I rounded up my stash of pots, set them in the garage, and partially filled with soil. My daughters helped me pot those bulbs, and top with more soil. I bought 3 bags of garden soil, to fill the pots. I had planned on improving the garden soil where these bulbs would be planted, anyway. So, I don't see the expense of buying the garden soil to be a waste. It will help and amend the areas where the bulbs will eventually be planted.


I now have all of these potted spring-flowering bulbs waiting in the garage for temps to moderate a bit. Although these types of bulbs can tolerate freezing soil, in the ground quite well, in pots they're more susceptible to freeze damage. I'll move the pots to the deck later this month. Then plant the bulbs in the garden, when the soil can be worked again.

I'll be honest, planting all of these bulbs was a chore. If it weren't for my daughters's help, I don't think I would have been nearly as cheerful in the planting as I was. It was a messy and bone-chilling chore. I am thankful for daughters who will happily lend a hand, in my pursuit of more spring flowers. I think I owe them a bouquet when the bulbs bloom.

12 comments:

  1. Is you back deck warmer than your garage or do expect warmer weather later this month? Even even half of what you planted blooms, it will be beautiful.

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    Replies
    1. Hi live and learn,
      Late January should be warmer for us than mid-December to early January. We can still have freezes, but not as long lasting. And the deck is on the south side of the house, which will give the growing stalks some sunlight.

      I think you're right, any flowers will be a welcome sight. And this will stifle one of my "urges" in spring, buying already potted bulbs for the yard (that instant gratification thing).

      Your yard has a lot of daffodils, if I remember correctly. So pretty in spring!

      Delete
    2. Yes, we do have a lot of daffodils. However, as the squirrels dig up the crocus, we have fewer and fewer of them.

      (I just read my first comment. I really should take the time to read them over once before I hit publish. I guess you got the meaning despite all of the typos.)

      Delete
    3. No worries on the typos. I make my share, too!

      Our crocus have dwindled over the years, too. Aren't those squirrels just so cute, eating all my bulbs?!

      Delete
  2. I sure enjoy seeing our bulbs come up each spring, but I sure don't enjoy planting them. I hope you have wonderful luck with all of those bulbs!
    Mary

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, Mary! I can hardly wait for spring flowers, again!

      Delete
  3. I meant to plant bulbs this past fall, but somehow never got around to it. I'll be jealous of all your beautiful flowers come spring!

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    Replies
    1. Hi Kris,
      Yes, that's just the thing -- fall is such a busy time of year for almost everybody. And before you know it, the window to buy and plant the bulbs has closed. So frustrating! But I couldn't pass these up, and at first, I had no idea of how I was going to plant them, without being able to dig the soil. That's when I succumb to buying already potted bulbs in the spring -- and ouch is that ever a high price to pay per bulb. Hopefully, I've skirted that urge for this season.

      Delete
  4. Ooo... that's a great idea! I never seem to get around to fall plantings because I'm so darned busy with all of the fall harvesting! This past summer I took some cuttings from one of my xeriscape plants... um... trying to remember the name. Perennial candy tuft maybe? It's got tiny white flowers that bloom in early spring and deep green foliage that's some odd cross between a succulent and evergreen (if that makes any sense.)

    Anyhow, with all the kitty drama around here, I just sort of forgot about them. I somehow managed to give them enough water to survive, but come November they were still hanging out in their little pots. I knew they'd never make it through the winter in those pots so I figured I didn't have much to lose and threw them in the ground sometime in November, like a few days before a snow storm. I mulched them heavily in hopes that it would help, but I didn't hold out much hope.

    Much to my surprise they seem to have made it! They've even survived several bouts of sub zero weather and the leaves are still green. So fingers crossed I'll have a nice new bed of pretty white flowers this spring!

    Can't wait to see the pictures of your bulbs in bloom! :-)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Cat,
      To say that you've had your hands full with kitty issues is an understatement. If I had that much going on in the household, I know I wouldn't have time to even stop and buy bulbs, let alone get them planted. (I'm glad Jasper is doing better :-) )

      I can never figure which cuttings will make it and which won't. I took cuttings of lavender and geranium in late summer, and the geranium look like toast, while the lavender seems okay. Great that your candy tuft seems to have survived! It's like a gift, something extra, when a cutting takes hold and survives. Keeping fingers crossed for an early spring!

      Delete
  5. Again :)...you have afforded an abundance of beauty and luxury on a fraction of what others would normally spend. Through effort and ingenuity...you have created so much from mere basic ingredients. Your daughters are so fortunate to have you, as their teacher and mother. Interesting, that you always think of thanking them with gifts and tokens of appreciation..so wonderful of you.

    YHF

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    Replies
    1. Hi YHF,
      Thank you! I think I enjoy the challenge of bringing beauty to the home and gardens on as little as I can. Thank you for your kind words.

      As for my daughters, I know they would appreciate a bouquet of daffodils for their room, come spring. My own mom used to do things like this for me, and I did appreciate her kindness (and the tokens/bouquets).

      Delete

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