Whenever you see tulips and daffodils, you know spring is right around the corner. Gardeners throughout the North Country plant them every fall, a ritual of hope before the long winter, carried out with a trowel and a few inches of healthy soil. But there is a whole world out there of minor bulbs that includes irises, snowdrop, and allium - that can give an exotic and colorful touch to your spring garden beds.
Tips for Planting and Growing Minor Bulbs
Just like other spring bulbs, the minor bulbs prefer a loose, well-drained soil with adequate nutrients. If the area where you want to plant your minor bulbs doesn't have well-drained soil, you can incorporate some organic matter a few weeks before planting, try planting your minor bulbs in a rock garden, or try raised mounds to encourage drainage.
To get maximum impact from your minor bulbs in the spring, plant them in groups of no less than 50, and never in a row - try scattering them in irregular patterns.
Like other spring bulbs, keep your minor bulbs planted about 3 inches apart, at a depth of about three times the height of the bulb. (A 2" bulb would need to be planted at a depth of about 6".) Cover them loosely but completely and be patient until spring!
Before purchasing or planting your minor bulbs, double check your USDA planting zone to make sure that your bulbs are hardy in that zone.
Take a look at some of our fabulous minor bulbs available for pre-order now! Bulbs will ship in the fall as soon as they arrive at our Essex, N.Y. garden store, so order now for best selection.