Winter Care for Planted Bulbs

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Donna Moramarco

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Photo Credit: Donna Moramarco

Bulbs that pop up too early can be surprised by late season snowstorms.

The hard work is done: You’ve planted dozens of hardy spring-flowering daffodils, tulips and crocus all over the yard. The cold, snowy months ahead will give you plenty of “indoor time” to dream about these new additions to your garden. But what about those planted bulbs? Do they have any special needs before the snow flies?

Yes! You should pull up the covers around spring-flowering bulbs after the ground freezes. Why after a freeze? Glad you asked!

You want the soil to freeze (and stay that way) to give the bulbs a true sense of winter. Mulch that is applied too early (any time before the ground freezes) keeps the soil warm. Consider using 2-3 inches of mulch (evergreen boughs, wood chips, pine needles or compost make fine candidates) after the ground turns hard as a rock. This “insulation” protects bulbs from damage caused by alternate freezing and thawing. During thaws, check for any bulbs that have heaved. If so, carefully press them back into the soil.

Warnings

Mother Nature still has the last word on weather; do not remove protective covers from planted beds too early. Good gardeners should gradually uncover their beds as the weather begins to warm up in spring.

Facts

Squirrels have a hearty appetite for tulip bulbs, but daffodils are not on their menu.

Tips

There are a variety of animal repellents (chemical and organic) available to home gardeners. Not sure how to use them? Before you buy, check the package for directions/use and ask your friendly garden center expert if you’re unsure of the instructions

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