Garden Sense

Caring For Spring Bulbs #GardenSense

spring bulbs collage

We all enjoy the first flowers of spring. I know I can’t wait until crocus, snowdrops, daffodils, tulips, Lily of the Valley and more appear in my garden.

The fact is that most of those early flowers are bulbs.
Taking care of these plants during and after the blooms can ensure a shower of color for years to come.
Here’s some tips to help spring bulbs do their best!

Deadhead dying flowers. Allow leaves to remain until yellow or dry. Plants need to continue to feed the bulbs through their leaves. Nourished bulbs have a better chance to survive winter.

If you spring feed bulbs, apply a low nitrogen fertilizer. Nitrogen encourages leaf growth and does little for blooms. It is better to keep bulb beds moist but not wet and fertilize in fall. Mulching can help maintain moisture.

Divide bulb clumps as necessary every few years to promote strong roots and healthier plants.

Remember to enjoy these flowers while they last! Press or dry a few if you can!

 

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Cindy's Recipes and Writings

As a professional cook, I love creating exciting new recipes on the job as well as at home. Assisting in teaching low-income families how to buy, store and prepare healthy food through Penn State’s alliance with Pennsylvania’s Supercupboard Program was very rewarding. During my 11 years with the Master Gardener program, I taught horticultural therapy to assisted living patients using healthful, fr
esh grown food as a focal point. . My hands-on programs and instruction helped hundreds of children and adults learn about where their food comes from and how important fresh food is for your body.
Currently I’m a cook at a college in Pennsylvania. We prepare everything we can from scratch, including our potato chips that tout the seasoning of the day!
Of course I write about food; it's in my blood!

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