GROWING ORGANIC BULBS
There is a certain joyous feeling that comes from planting bulbs in the ground and forgetting about them, only to be pleasantly surprised the day they break ground several months later. We at Dr. Earth feel good about the many surprises that the garden offers us at different times of the year, especially the colorful beauty that bulbs share with us for that short period of time. Growing organic bulbs is even more rewarding because we know we have worked within the guidelines that Mother Nature has provided for us.
Every time I put a bulb in the ground or in a container I feel butterflies in my stomach, I think it's because I know something really spectacular is going to happen, I can almost sense the flush of color that will delight every part of my senses. Organic bulbs are great to grow because I can feel good about bringing the color into my home without the fear of bringing in the chemicals from fertilizers or pesticides. Organic bulbs are also much hardier than their chemical counterparts because they have been grown steadily without the unnatural growth spikes that they experience with chemical fertilizers. Bulbs are really simple to grow and re-grow once we understand some of their basic requirements.
Because of the remarkably beautiful flowers they produce, bulbs have become tremendously popular. They're available in a wide range of color, form and the size of their flowers; they grow indoors as well as out; and in addition they're easy to grow.
The size alone of a bulb does not constitute its value or quality, but firmness weight and condition do. If it is a true bulb (daffodil, lily or tulip) the layers or scales should be firmly bound, so that there is no feeling of softness or looseness when it is squeezed in your hand. If it is a rhizome, corm or tuber (such as calla, crocus or dahlia) the flesh should be plump and firm. Good quality bulbs also carry the distinction of being heavy. It is not unusual to find bulbs of the same species, variety and size but varying considerably, with the inferior quality bulbs on the lighter side. The skin and condition of the coating should be bright and free of any bruises or deep cuts. Bulbs that are cut or damaged are likely to rot or decompose before ever sprouting.
It is always best to plant the bulbs immediately after purchasing; if you cannot do that, store in a cool dry location with good ventilation, keep in mind that any extreme artificial temperature will dry the bulb and cause it to shrivel, which can damage it, also keep in mind that pests such as squirrels, rats and mice find them a delicacy.
PLANTING BULBS
No matter where you live, you can turn your soil and environment to work to your advantage and achieve great results. Here are some tips that will help.
SOIL It is very important that the Soil drains well. Bulbs require loose porous soil in order to develop strong root systems. If your soil is heavy and mostly clay it is very important to break-up the soil with organic materials such as compost, mulch and planting mix, I recommend that you use Dr. Earth planting mix for amending all soil types or Dr. Earth potting soil for container plants. Dr. Earth soils contain the proper medium to support maximum root development that your bulbs will need to get off to a great start.
PLANTING DEPTH
Refer to the back of our Organic 1TM Bulb Food box for a planting chart, or follow the bulb growers recommended depth for the variety you have chosen. Keep in mind that the area you live in will determine the depth your bulbs will be planted, the colder the soil, the deeper you will need to go.
FERTILIZING
Bulbs are starch bodies and contain all the food they will need for the first season, naturally. Fertilizing with Dr. Earth Bulb Food will ensure they root more quickly and will provide them with added nutrients that will support maximum blooms.
PLANTING
Plant your bulbs with the point facing up, there are exceptions to this rule such as Anemones and Ranunculus, their point is facing down. Make sure you have referred to the planting depth of each bulb. Dig the hole to the correct depth, apply Dr. Earth Bulb food at the bottom of the hole, place the bulb into the hole point facing up, then cover the hole with the appropriate amount of soil.
WATERING
Thoroughly water the soil after planting your bulbs. Water will help to break your bulbs out of dormancy and will also activate the fertilizer. Water you bulbs at least once a week to the point that the soil is saturated. Once the foliage appears and your bulbs are established, continue to water deeply at least once a week.
SECOND FERTILIZING
Once the bulbs are established and are showing abundant foliage before flowering, fertilize a second time with Dr. Earth Bulb Food. Lightly cultivate one tbsp. into the top ½ inch of soil. Water thoroughly. This second application will enhance the blooming cycle and will also help the bulbs build-up their nutrient content for the following year.
ALLOWING BULBS TO ''DIE BACK''
If you want to save your bulbs for the following year, it is very important to keep the leaves on the plant after they have finished blooming. Fertilize a third time with Dr. Earth Bulb Food to build-up the maximum nutrient content for the following season. When the foliage begins to fade cut back on the watering, then shortly thereafter stop watering completely. You can remove the brown foliage when they are at the stage to where they just lift of the bulb with ease. The bulbs are now starting their dormant stage.
STORAGE
If you are storing your bulbs, you will need to carefully dig them up and clean off all the soil and debris. Dust them with a sulfur fungicide if possible. Store them in a paper bag in a dry cool location where they will be protected from heat, moisture and pests.
FORCING BULBS
Bulbs are easy to grow indoors. They can be forced successfully in the window of an apartment, home, cold frame or in the greenhouse. No special skill is needed and if light, sufficient moisture and temperature are high enough, you can successfully force bulbs. You can use many different types of containers; larger bulbs will require larger containers. When spacing your bulbs make sure they do not touch each other, their should be soil between every bulb. Some bulbs will force more easily than others, please consult with Camino Garden Center for our favorite selection. Plant bulbs as soon as you buy them in a container that has good drainage, roots cannot grow in moist soil that can easily stagnate. Follow the other tips above and you can grow rich, hardy organic bulbs that will delight every part of your senses.
Milo Lou Shammas
Founder and Formulator
Dr. Earth Company
Just Go Organic!TM
http://www.drearth.com/
There is a certain joyous feeling that comes from planting bulbs in the ground and forgetting about them, only to be pleasantly surprised the day they break ground several months later. We at Dr. Earth feel good about the many surprises that the garden offers us at different times of the year, especially the colorful beauty that bulbs share with us for that short period of time. Growing organic bulbs is even more rewarding because we know we have worked within the guidelines that Mother Nature has provided for us.
Every time I put a bulb in the ground or in a container I feel butterflies in my stomach, I think it's because I know something really spectacular is going to happen, I can almost sense the flush of color that will delight every part of my senses. Organic bulbs are great to grow because I can feel good about bringing the color into my home without the fear of bringing in the chemicals from fertilizers or pesticides. Organic bulbs are also much hardier than their chemical counterparts because they have been grown steadily without the unnatural growth spikes that they experience with chemical fertilizers. Bulbs are really simple to grow and re-grow once we understand some of their basic requirements.
Because of the remarkably beautiful flowers they produce, bulbs have become tremendously popular. They're available in a wide range of color, form and the size of their flowers; they grow indoors as well as out; and in addition they're easy to grow.
The size alone of a bulb does not constitute its value or quality, but firmness weight and condition do. If it is a true bulb (daffodil, lily or tulip) the layers or scales should be firmly bound, so that there is no feeling of softness or looseness when it is squeezed in your hand. If it is a rhizome, corm or tuber (such as calla, crocus or dahlia) the flesh should be plump and firm. Good quality bulbs also carry the distinction of being heavy. It is not unusual to find bulbs of the same species, variety and size but varying considerably, with the inferior quality bulbs on the lighter side. The skin and condition of the coating should be bright and free of any bruises or deep cuts. Bulbs that are cut or damaged are likely to rot or decompose before ever sprouting.
It is always best to plant the bulbs immediately after purchasing; if you cannot do that, store in a cool dry location with good ventilation, keep in mind that any extreme artificial temperature will dry the bulb and cause it to shrivel, which can damage it, also keep in mind that pests such as squirrels, rats and mice find them a delicacy.
PLANTING BULBS
No matter where you live, you can turn your soil and environment to work to your advantage and achieve great results. Here are some tips that will help.
SOIL It is very important that the Soil drains well. Bulbs require loose porous soil in order to develop strong root systems. If your soil is heavy and mostly clay it is very important to break-up the soil with organic materials such as compost, mulch and planting mix, I recommend that you use Dr. Earth planting mix for amending all soil types or Dr. Earth potting soil for container plants. Dr. Earth soils contain the proper medium to support maximum root development that your bulbs will need to get off to a great start.
PLANTING DEPTH
Refer to the back of our Organic 1TM Bulb Food box for a planting chart, or follow the bulb growers recommended depth for the variety you have chosen. Keep in mind that the area you live in will determine the depth your bulbs will be planted, the colder the soil, the deeper you will need to go.
FERTILIZINGBulbs are starch bodies and contain all the food they will need for the first season, naturally. Fertilizing with Dr. Earth Bulb Food will ensure they root more quickly and will provide them with added nutrients that will support maximum blooms.
PLANTING
Plant your bulbs with the point facing up, there are exceptions to this rule such as Anemones and Ranunculus, their point is facing down. Make sure you have referred to the planting depth of each bulb. Dig the hole to the correct depth, apply Dr. Earth Bulb food at the bottom of the hole, place the bulb into the hole point facing up, then cover the hole with the appropriate amount of soil.
WATERING
Thoroughly water the soil after planting your bulbs. Water will help to break your bulbs out of dormancy and will also activate the fertilizer. Water you bulbs at least once a week to the point that the soil is saturated. Once the foliage appears and your bulbs are established, continue to water deeply at least once a week.
SECOND FERTILIZING
Once the bulbs are established and are showing abundant foliage before flowering, fertilize a second time with Dr. Earth Bulb Food. Lightly cultivate one tbsp. into the top ½ inch of soil. Water thoroughly. This second application will enhance the blooming cycle and will also help the bulbs build-up their nutrient content for the following year.
ALLOWING BULBS TO ''DIE BACK''
If you want to save your bulbs for the following year, it is very important to keep the leaves on the plant after they have finished blooming. Fertilize a third time with Dr. Earth Bulb Food to build-up the maximum nutrient content for the following season. When the foliage begins to fade cut back on the watering, then shortly thereafter stop watering completely. You can remove the brown foliage when they are at the stage to where they just lift of the bulb with ease. The bulbs are now starting their dormant stage.
STORAGE
If you are storing your bulbs, you will need to carefully dig them up and clean off all the soil and debris. Dust them with a sulfur fungicide if possible. Store them in a paper bag in a dry cool location where they will be protected from heat, moisture and pests.
FORCING BULBS
Bulbs are easy to grow indoors. They can be forced successfully in the window of an apartment, home, cold frame or in the greenhouse. No special skill is needed and if light, sufficient moisture and temperature are high enough, you can successfully force bulbs. You can use many different types of containers; larger bulbs will require larger containers. When spacing your bulbs make sure they do not touch each other, their should be soil between every bulb. Some bulbs will force more easily than others, please consult with Camino Garden Center for our favorite selection. Plant bulbs as soon as you buy them in a container that has good drainage, roots cannot grow in moist soil that can easily stagnate. Follow the other tips above and you can grow rich, hardy organic bulbs that will delight every part of your senses.
Milo Lou Shammas
Founder and Formulator
Dr. Earth Company
Just Go Organic!TM
http://www.drearth.com/
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