Fall planting guide for bulbs by Julie Sedwick
Companion planting in gardening and agriculture is planting of certain plants in propinquity so that they may benefit from each other. Even though companion planting has had a long presence, its utility has been revolutionized just a few decades ago. It is practiced by both at rural and commercial scenarios. Bulb planting happens to be the best in this type of planting. Bulbs are ideal for companion planting around the shrubs especially when they are not blooming. Fall season is perfect for bulb planting. However you may feel emotionally wasted until the flowers start showing their heads spring.
Bulbs are usually planted just when the season is changing to autumn. The theory behind choosing this period is that during fall season, the plants which have already come out of earth are still young. There will be a lot of intermediate space between them. Hence companion planting will be easy and you can plant the bulbs in that area without disturbing the foundation of the young plants. However, if you delay bulb planting until winter, the young plants will be matured and in full bloom. There will be a possibility of uprooting their roots. Keeping this in mind, planting should be done earlier during autumn.
Although bulbs can be grown in tubs and pots, they are best for around the trees that are dormant. Sow the bulbs about three times their own depth in the soil. There should be adequate space for the development of their roots. The soil should be the commercial potting mix. Try to add some compost to the soil, if possible. A weak fertilizer should be used and can be complemented slowly when the bulbs surface making a successful companion planting.
Companion planting bulbs like daffodils should be planted a little more deep than the usual depth required for other bulbs. Tulips on the other hand, will be more contented and flower beautifully, if planted near the surface. Daffodils will grow well in full sun, but they can be grown at any place excepting intense shades. It is important that water logging doesn’t occur; therefore you can raise the beds slightly to prevent it. There is another way of planting the bulbs. You can put some grit inside the hole (you have dug for bulb):
Add a little soil,
Then put the bulb and
Spread soil on it
Companion planting can be a great fun and a lot easier if you use a bulb planter to plant bulbs. You can effortlessly dig the soil with its help. Once the bulb is sowed, you can top it up with the removed soil. Watering effectively is a vital part of bulb planting. The place where they are planted should have enough drainage. You must keep the soil moist throughout the growing season but you have to be cautious that there is no surplus water.
Rodents are one of the main menaces for gardeners who love bulbs. Rodents eat the bulbs with much admiration. Your idea of companion planting will nosedive with rodents in vicinity. But you can shield the bulbs by putting some thorny wire around it. You can also conceal some wire just below the top layer of soil.
Bulbs can be sown for different reasons for companion planting. Sometimes it is for fragrances, whilst sometimes it is for landscaping. A variety of spring-flowering bulbs can be sowed underneath the deciduous trees. These bulbs will grow into mature plants and blossom before the deciduous trees will throw the leaves out and shade the area.
Impressive companion planting can be achieved in your cottage garden by including bulbs along with some woody perennials. Once the perennials will start withering away the bulbs will start adding color to the garden. You can choose various partners for the companion planting bulbs. Some examples are: various hued tulips and daffodils along with annual or perennial evergreens; the ‘Arabian Night’ Dahlias near Esperanza flowering shrub. The options are limitless and experiments are abundant for companion planting.
Companion planting guidelines include careful choice of bulbs along with the annuals. This is because the annuals prefer lots of water whereas the bulbs need good drainage. The bulbs will rot due to excessive watering. Excess of fertilizers like bonemeal should be avoided. Always place the bulb with its point towards the surface of earth. Most importantly, opt for those companion planting bulbs which will flourish in your region or climate.