Bulbs .........what now ...?

[Deano's "Diggin It"]

People in the uk must collectively buy millions of flower bulbs each year. They are in the main added to already planted bulbs. All previously planted bulbs multiply. Good heavens soon the world will be an enormous garden and nothing else.

In't that what we're aiming for!

[Jay-ell]

I’m sure someone once told me that by planting bulbs at different depths you can stagger the flowering and prolong the season. It was years ago and I didn't pay much attention.

[cheops]

Quite right Jay-ell. Layer them in the garden or in pots. Imagine its a race to bloom. The top layer have a head start so they bloom first. The second layer is lagging behind but start to bloom as the first layer fades. Last but not least the third makes its appearance and blooms. Great - an extended display.

[veggiechicken]

Here ya go Jay-ell http://www.growfruitandveg.co.uk/gra...ing_84718.html

[cheops]

Layering can be done with different species as the thread above talks about but I like to do it with the one type of flower simply to extend the display.

[bario1]

I've just taken delivery of my special offer 425 bulbs from T&M... I was expecting a huge box, but it's about the size of a large brick! Tiny bulbs... ah well I'm sure they'll look lovely. I'm going to plant them in those plastic bag pots so I can control the drainage a bit more on my soggy plot.

[SusieG]

I've had my 100 Tulip bulbs delivered today, so with my other little stash I'm all ready and raring to start planting out ............but not just yet ................

Quick question ~ can I do the layered bulb planting thing into the ground, or is it meant for use in planters/pots only...?

[Bigmallly]

There's no reason why you can't layer them in a permanent bed in the garden Susie. I think with pots it's easier to put a bit of compost in the pot then some bulbs then some compost then some bulbs etc.

[SusieG]

Yes, I'd have to pop some of them in pretty deep, I guess ..... Might give it a go, nothing to lose (well, apart from a few bulbs that is ...!!!)

[rary]

Dig a deep hole place some drainage in the bottom then start filling with compost mixed with course sand (for drainage) and plant your bulbs just as you would a pot

[SusieG]

Coarse sand ..... is that the same as 'builders sand'? Which I still have a heap of lying around .... can I use that ...?

[rary]

It's concrete sand you need Susie, regular builders sand is too fine to act as drainage, so basically if it was used for brick laying its no use if it is a gritty sand for concrete that will do, you can generally buy bags of course sand from a builders merchants from about £1.50p now I will need to go a liedown after telling someone to spend money

[Deano's "Diggin It"]

Susie! To eliminate confusion, it's called "Ballast" a combination of sand and grit!

[SusieG]

Susie! To eliminate confusion, it's called "Ballast" a combination of sand and grit!

Haha! Thank you Deano!!

And rary, I'll think of you when I'm spending my £1.50 on a bag of ballast .....!

[SusieG]

Well rary, DH has treated me today to a bag of ballast (£2.20) AND two bags of compost..!! I'm soo high maintenance.......

All ready to plant out my Spring bulbs ........but not just yet .......don't want that Tulip burn ......!