Planting crocus in the lawn.

[mothhawk]

I don't think crocus spread as fast as snowdrops and bluebells, possibly 'cos crocus don't like being crowded,where snowdrops and daffs happily squash up together. Just my theory, could be wrong, but I find where I've accidentally disturbed them and shifted them about, they grow well for a few years, then get overcrowded and don't do so well.

I plant crocus in grass by using a garden fork. Use as if you were using a spade, stick into the grass and lever so the tines start to lift the turf, then push a few corms down between the tines into the space underneath, ease back down, and tread down.

[cheops]

Thx yet another good idea.
Hmmn if crocus don't like being close together I need to be mindful of that and not plant them in very close groups each bulb side by side.

[VirginVegGrower]

Crocus in lines look unnatural and using a fork will do just that. In our village the green was planted out with crocus in lines like soldiers all a few inches apart. Mercifully now, they have spread and done their own thing.

[veggiechicken]

Veggie you said 'It is difficult to get to the clothes line without walking on them!'. That's good - you are successful if they abound like that. But do indeed tread carefully for among the mauve and purple columns it is the domain of the fairyfolk. Destroy any part of their enchanted land and at the very least you will find the milk in your fridge soured.

Now I know why I don't like the taste of milk

Crocus in lines look unnatural and using a fork will do just that. In our village the green was planted out with crocus in lines like soldiers all a few inches apart. Mercifully now, they have spread and done their own thing.

Have you ever heard of random forking,VVG?

[VirginVegGrower]

Now I know why I don't like the taste of milk



Have you ever heard of random forking,VVG?

Tines go in straight lines VC! Ever heard of that? JMO!

[veggiechicken]

But there are only 4, and they could be offset against the next 4.

[mothhawk]

Tines go in straight lines VC! Ever heard of that? JMO!

So does the blade of a spade!

The corms drop randomly into the hole you make, not in between each tine. I guess I didn't make that clear. Just a couple under each fork-up, and as VC says, randomly, just shove the fork in anywhere you like.

[cheops]

lol this is getting so technical - straight lines - at random etc - I might plant the crocuses as a piece of art - a lovely country cottage -white crocus door and white snowy roof, beautiful yellow walls with purple windows and a snowy white path leading up to the cottage. Think of the gasps of wonder and awe from plane passengers above. bThen again I might not lol.

[tamsin]

We planted 240 when we returfed in 2009, then about 30 yellow ones the year after (the mixed pack wasn't very mixed), give it a couple of weeks and I'll count um for you - there are a dozen of so early birds up already. We left a path around the edge/to the compost bin. Most come up with two flowers rather than one now, which I presume is where the bulb has split.

[cheops]

Yes Tamsin if you could do a headcount it would be very useful. Could then work out how well they have multiplied and spread in 4 yrs. Quite scientific too I might add. Thx.