Melinda's Garden Moment Radio Tips
Melinda Myers
Nationally known gardening expert, TV/Radio host, author & columnist with over 30 years of horticulture experience and tons of gardening information to share! www.melindamyers.comMelinda's Garden Moment videos will help you create that beautiful landscape you’ve always wanted. Each week throughout the growing season, a new gardening video will be added right here, so be sure to stop back. You can also watch Melinda’s Garden Moments on your local network TV station affiliate.
Don’t panic if the bulb planting season has passed and you still have some or all your bulbs in need of planting.
Storing these in a spare refrigerator will give you the best chance of success. The consistently cold temperature in the refrigerator is perfect for storing and initiating flowers for the coming spring. This is perfect for those growing in mild climates where winter is not cold or long enough for spring flowering bulbs.
Pack the bulbs in peat moss and place in a perforated plastic bag in the fridge. Or plant a few bulbs in containers filled with well-drained potting mix. Avoid storing apples in the same space as they give off a ripening hormone (ethylene) that can prevent your bulbs from flowering.
Those in colder climates can pot and store the bulbs in an unheated garage. Just provide added insulation in case the garage temperatures drop below freezing.
Water whenever the soil is thawed and dry.
A bit more information: Too many bulbs, not enough time and the ground is not frozen. Those in cold climates can heal the bulbs in for winter. Dig a trench at the proper planting depth for the bulbs. Set the bulbs close together in the trench and cover with soil. They will receive the needed chill to flower in spring and allow you to plant them in their permanent location next year.