Things Needed

Connecticut , Maine , Massachusetts , New Hampshire , Rhode Island and Vermont make up the orbit known as New England . Even though New England is well - known for its cold and often harsh winter , beautiful gardens clothe the domain from spring until fall . Bulbs are often a New England nurseryman ’s favorite . There are many bulbs that can last the winter months and will dependably return year to year with small oeuvre . Other , warmer - climate bulbs can still be plant in the saltation and enjoyed during the summertime and dip months .

Step 1

Determine which U.S. Department of Agriculture industrial plant hardiness zone you live in ( see Resources ) . New England dwell of zones 3 through 7 , and do it which zona you endure in will help determine which bulbs you’re able to constitute in your zone and when .

Step 2

Choose a location to plant your bulbs . Most bulbs need full Sunday ( at least six hour of sunlight per day ) and soil that debilitate water well . Since New England soil can contain a lot of remains — which slows water drainage — notice if puddles remain after five time of day of a difficult rainwater . If they do , your ground does not enfeeble well and you will need to remedy the soil ( e.g. , with grit and compost ) or choose another location .

Step 3

adjudicate if your bulbs are winter hardy in your zona . tulip , daffodils and crocuses are examples of lightbulb that are most likely dauntless in your New England climate . Bulbs that are not winter fearless in your climate are plant in the spring after the last frost of the time of year , which in New England typically fall out as early as the close of March in zone 7 or as late as the end of May in zone 3 .

Step 4

Loosen the soil to a depth of 8 to 12 inches . It ’s in force to do this ( and the next two steps ) in the summer for a descent planting or in the fall for a bound planting . utilize a spade , cultivator or hoe for this stone’s throw . Also , absent tumid tilt , which are common in many section of New England , such as in Maine .

Step 5

unified constituent matter into the top 8 inches of territory . example include compost , peat moss or well - rotted manure . Apply at a charge per unit of about 3 bushels per 100 square foot of garden infinite . constituent affair adds valuable nutrients to the soil and improves drainage in grunge that does not drain well ( as aforementioned ) . It also helps slow down urine drain in arenaceous soils , as is plebeian along much of New England ’s coastal areas .

Step 6

ruffle in plant food into the top 6 inches of grime . apply a low-toned - nitrogen plant food , such as one labeled 5 - 10 - 10 . Apply 1 pound per 100 square foot .

Step 7

hold off until the downfall to constitute your hardy light bulb . In zones 3 to 5 , plant from early September until early October . In zones 6 to 7 , plant your bulbs from mid - October until early November . Bulbs not hardy in your zone will have to wait until the spring after the last frost . In the lag , store them in a cool ( around 60 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit ) , dark location , such as in your garage .

Step 8

set the bulb with the wind look up and at a depth that is adequate to two to three times the height of the bulbs . For instance , if your medulla is 1 inch improbable , constitute the tip 2 to 3 inches below the soil . Space multiple bulb according to their kind , ordinarily anywhere between 1 to 10 inches depending on the bulbs ' sizing and mature growth .

Step 9

Backfill the stain and lightly pack it down with the medallion of your hands . Water the sphere with about an inch of piddle . For fall New England plantings , cut across the planting site with about 2 to 4 inch of organic mulch , such as barque , pine phonograph needle , leaves , husk or wood chip .

References

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