Planting Bulbs in ContainersIt's time for planting bulbs in containers..... Leaves on the trees are turning bright yellows and reds, summer blooms have faded, and the chrysanthemums are starting to come alive.
You can buy baskets of flowering bulbs at the garden centers and floral shops- but this is so easy, there’s no reason for you not to do it yourself.
The ContainerStart with a clean and sterile pot or container of about 16-17” in diameter. It should have adequate drainage holes, (never let your bulbs sit in super wet soil) and deep enough for the largest bulb that you plan to plant, and with plenty of room for the roots.Look around for unique containers and garden planters but keep in mind that the winter freeze can crack clay or ceramic pots. Plastic pots, wooden barrels or heavy concrete works well. Don’t forget about your window boxes for planting spring bulbs to produce a wonderful spring flower show that can be viewed from the inside of your house as well as out. Choosing the Right Soil MixThe key to successfully planting bulbs in containers is in choosing the right potting or soil mix . For these potted bulbs, use moisture control potting mix for the base. Adding this to the bottom of the pot will help to manage the watering process.Regular outdoor potting mix or soil-less mix can be used for the rest of the fill.
The Bulbs
For better chance of success when planting bulbs in containers, use only good quality bulbs that are clean and free of mold and disease. Combine various kinds of bulbs that will flower a few weeks after each other for continual blooming that can extend up to 2 -4 weeks in the springtime. Combine tulip bulbs, hyacinths, daffodils, or crocus for a beautiful arrangement. Adding a few early blooming perennials like trailing Vinca vine, bleeding hearts, violets or Virginia bluebells to the mix can be interesting too. (But only if the container is large enough to showcase all of the plants) Planting the Bulbs– Use the Layer MethodDesign Tip Place the larger bulbs in the middle of the pot with the flat side of the tulip bulb next to the rim of the pot. The largest leaf will always emerge and grow on that side and acting as a frame on the outside, allowing the light to get to the smaller flowers and creating a better view once they bloom.
Watering ScheduleWater your about bulbs once a week. Keep the pots and containers moist but not really wet. When the cold weather sets in and temperature drops to the freezing point, then do not water.Minimal Maintenance RequiredIn the coldest zones like zone 3 or 4, it’s a good idea to put your pots in the garage over the winter or on the south side of the house so that the bulbs stay a little warmer. Take the pots back out into the yard in March or April to bloom.Once your container garden begins to flower, (how exciting!) they will need water, light and small quantities of fertilizer. When the leaves turn yellow and begin dying off, then the plants are beginning the resting period until the next year. Just cut the leaves back and let them die away naturally. If you planted perennials with the bulbs, they will continue growing into the summer months. PatienceGive it a try – I guarantee that you will be delighted with the results. Once you try planting bulbs in containers, you can sit back, relax, and patiently wait out the winter months.Spring will arrive in no time and you’ll have a colorful and gorgeous blooming container garden to enjoy as the last bit of snow on the ground is melting away. From Planting Bulbs in Containers to Container Garden
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