How to Force Bulbs

If you like growing spring bulbs, there are many things that you need to look into. You can start working on your spring planting bulbs as early as late winter or in the spring depending on your climate. Consider these tips before embarking on spring bulb planting.

Winter is wonderful—it just doesn’t need to linger so long. During the depths of the season, I find myself thirsting for something to lift my spirits in a green sort of way. Actually, a little dose of color wouldn’t be bad, either.

That’s where forcing spring bulbs comes in. You’ve probably seen the phenomenon in the supermarket: During February or March—somewhere between the vegetables and the houseplants—you can usually find a few pots of token pearly white tulips and a ‘Tête-à-Tête’ daffodil or two. But that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Many spring bulbs are more thrilling than those old standbys in the florist aisle.

(C) Garden - LoveToKnow

(C) Garden – LoveToKnow

To force spring bulbs, all you need is a little planning and a cool place to store them. You wouldn’t want to open my refrigerator in January because there’s scant space for anything but a few edible essentials; bulbs take up the lion’s share of the space from Thanksgiving to February.

But a refrigerator isn’t the only option. You can chill bulbs in a barely heated garage, a barn, a cool basement, or an enclosed porch.I’ve been forcing bulbs for years. Every season is different, and every year, I try a few newbies. Usually, they work. But regardless of the outcome, I never regret devoting the time and space to the project.

Forcing bulbs adds drama to a home; you can customize the presentation; and you can’t beat the fulfillment factor. Here are some of my favorites.

Read more: http://www.finegardening.com/how-force-bulbs

 

 

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