Guest Author - Kimberly Cassandra Cannon

The crisp and nippy wind of the winter’s air is giving most gardeners the blues. If you are an avid gardener, surely you want to dig or plant something into the soil right about now but nature has given the wait signal. Let’s talk about what has been done and what we can expect in our bulb garden in the next couple of months.

By now, all spring bulbs for the northern climates should have been planted already and the southern climate is, as of this past weekend (1/9), these fortunate gardeners are out of time too. In bulb gardening, it is so essential to plant bulbs at the right time; the earlier bulbs are planted the better. This is because of establishing good root development. Why is that necessary? For proper absorption of nutrients, water from soil and storage of food. So in short, since roots are usually in the top 6-12 in. of the soil, root development is, fundamental for the succession of any bulb (or plant) for that matter.

Be sure to note when the very first minor bulbs begin to peek their heads above ground. Nothing is more important than the resource of keeping a garden journal. It should have what spring bulbs you’ve planted and how you plan to maintain your bulb garden throughout their extended growth. With all the hard work you’ve put in establishing a spring bulb garden, it’s almost time for gratification, so keep a few disposable cameras, or the shiny new digital one you’ve received from Christmas near to capture the most prolific and eye-catching photos.

While you await the much anticipated arrival of our wintry friends of the garden, be sure to water, if the air is windy and dry. Some climates may have a good spring rain, whereas others may experience a drought even in spring. So be sure to water once a week if no help from Mother Nature. Once the show is over and they have given their last bow, now comes the ugly part (yellowing leaves). After blooming, allow leaves to yellow (at least a month) in order to store energy for next year’s flowers (except in warm climates) and then discard older leaves.

In warmer climates, most spring bulbs have to be treated as annuals. So depending on where you reside, bulbs will have to be dug up and stored properly until next fall or they will be discarded after bloom (in Zones 8 and higher). Note: if you store bulbs, store them in a box with peat moss, in a cool and dry space and close tightly to keep them moist. Be sure to check on them periodically for molded, mushy ones and throw them out as they diminish in quality and it would also be a good thing to refresh the peat moss, sawdust shavings or whatever you store them in with a fresh replacement.

Though certain parts of the world will never see snow fall, and so much has to go into a preparatory stage for chilling requirements, in such areas of the world (for such specialized bulbs), soon spring will give us all, the privileged bulb gardeners who, can hardly wait, our much anticipated feeling of delight as we see the earliest showstoppers: snowdrops, crocus, and anemones, drop in for a bit of quality time. Soon they will be followed by the big showstoppers (the major bulbs) to end the show and close the curtain.

May the rain showers in your garden bring many, many blooms in the passing year.