Planting tulips

If you are looking for a spring surprise then consider planting some tulips. This great flower comes back year after year, so your effort is rewarded over many years. I like tulips in clusters rather than one here and there. Clusters provide a more colorful display of this early spring riser.

Tulips do not like wet soil if planted in standing water they will rot. So choose a well drained site. With heavy clay soils in southern Illinois one should add some peat moss and sand to the flower bed. One to two pounds of peat moss and sand added per square yard will improve soil conditions. Bulbs should be planted now before the first hard freeze. There are many varieties available today for your pleasure. So choose a color and start planting. One small hint the larger bulbs will display a larger bloom.

When planting tulip bulbs an 8 inch hole should be dug. It is suggested that you dig each hole the same depth. This will encourage them to come up at the same time. Each bulb in the cluster should be planted 5 to 6 inches apart. Tulip bulbs should be planted with the pointed part up.

Fill each hole with a good soil mixture or with compost. Finally pack the hole with the soil mixture to reduce animal visitors from digging them up. Water the area thoroughly before the flower bed is covered with mulch.

The result will be a great display of floral surprise in early spring. So get out and plant yours today.