Tulips, daffodils and hyacinths are sure signs of spring.  Get busy now planting a bit of spring beauty.

Be creative mix bulbs in with your perennials.  This fall garden looks great summer through fall.  Adding tulips or hyacinths can lengthen our season of enjoyment.

Plant bulbs 2 to 3 times their vertical height deep.  Try mixing several bulbs together to double your enjoyment.  I like mixing yellow daffodils with blue squills for a rich combination.  Or how about some early blooming crocus mixed with some late blooming tulips.

Or maybe you prefer to mix in a few pansies.  Cold weather pansies like icicle, second season and sub-zero will make it through even the coldest winters.

Mix a little slow release or bulb booster fertilizer in the soil above the bulbs.  Water and wait for spring.

A bit more information:  Get the best variety and healthiest bulbs by shopping early at your favorite garden center or by ordering from catalogues specializing in bulbs.  Store purchased bulbs in a cool (50 to 60 degree) dry location until it is time to plant.   Keep your bulbs away from apples and other ripening fruit.  The maturing fruit gives off ethylene gas that can interfere with bulb growth and flowering.

Wait for the air and soil temperatures to cool before placing your hardy bulbs in the garden.  Planting too early can result in fall growth that may be damaged or killed over winter.  Those gardening in the far north can begin planting in September while those in the far south must wait until December or even later.  Check out the regional bulb planting guide at www.bulb.com to find the recommended planting time for your area.  This site also provides tips on selecting bulbs suited for your climate.

For more gardening tips, podcasts and more, visit www.melindamyers.com

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