Bulbs & Seeds
Plant now, thank yourself later
Bulbs are the easiest promise in gardening. Plant them in fall and they bloom in spring before anything else wakes up. Tulips, daffodils, crocus and alliums come back year after year.
Summer bulbs like dahlias and lilies give big colour for little effort. Seeds let you grow hundreds of plants for the price of one. Choose firm, heavy bulbs with no soft spots.
Check seed packets for this year's date. Fresh seed sprouts better.
Getting them in the ground
Plant bulbs pointed end up, at a depth three times their height. Group them in clusters of seven or more for impact. Water once after planting and leave them.
In spring, let the leaves die back naturally after flowering. That feeds next year's bloom. For seeds, follow the depth on the packet.
Keep the soil evenly moist until sprouts appear. Thin seedlings so each has room to grow. Start tender seeds indoors and move them out after the last frost.