CHAMBERSBURG, Pa. — Green stems and stalks are pushing through the fall mulch and leaves and reaching for the sky. Some are already bearing beautiful flowers. Bulbs have a very short growth period above ground and die back within a few weeks. Enjoy them while they are here and remember they need proper care through the remainder of spring to make sure they will return next year.

Established bulbs benefit from fertilizer when new growth emerges in late winter. As tulip and daffodil flowers fade, remove them to prevent seed formation. This allows the green leaves to help build up the bulb for next year’s bloom. Leave the leaves on the plant for at least six weeks after bloom is finished or until they turn brown. If you don’t like the yellowing leaves, plant low perennials such as hostas or summer annuals as a screen.

Bulbs can become overcrowded and need to be divided and replanted. You can divide and replant the bulbs now or store them. Let them dry for two to three weeks and put them in a dry, cool area until fall. Mark the garden locations with durable markers to help with fall division or replanting as needed.

If you find that your bulbs have failed to bloom, wet soil may have caused rot, they are overcrowded, or the area has become too shady. If they haven’t emerged at all, animals may have eaten them, especially tulips and crocus bulbs. You can cover them with hardware cloth (chicken wire) that allows the bulbs to grow up through the holes but deters the critters.

Bring in some of the flowers to enjoy and brighten up the home. Pick flowers that have not yet opened and remove any leaves that would be in the vase water. Tuck in some fillers such as evergreen sprigs.

We won’t be selling bulbs at the Master Gardener plant sale, but you can find plenty of hostas and summer annuals. The sale will be on May 20, 2023, from 9 am to 1 pm at 145 Franklin Farm Lane, Chambersburg. Free on-site parking. Greenhouse vegetables and herbs, sun and shade plants, annual flowers, and more. Cash, check or credit card. Express checkout lane.

COLUMBIA, Mo. – While we can’t rush Mother Nature, we can give her a gentle nudge by forcing spring bulbs indoors for an early show of color. “That gentle nudge requires planning in fall to induce spring bulbs to flower indoors long before their outdoor counterparts make their appearance,” said University of Missouri Extension horticulturist […]

YANKTON, S.D. — Flower farms across South Dakota invite you to purchase locally grown bouquets and beautiful cut flowers to brighten up your home, to make a stunning wedding display, or to gift to your loved ones. The S.D. Specialty Producers Association’s (SDSPA) producer directory provides a listing and map for consumers to find a […]

NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J. — Without question, March is a fickle month. Known for beginning as winter and ending as spring, it has also been known to start as spring and end with a snowstorm! Plants which bloom during this month are known for their resilience to extremes in weather. What is even more amazing is […]

NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J. — It is no secret that plants, much like clothing go through trends. In fact, plants that are popular during one decade may not even be seen at nurseries during the decades to follow. Air Plants, botanically known as Tillandsia were a mere curiosity 10 years ago, and now are a ‘houseplant’ […]

FARGO, N.D. — We live in an era of reduce, reuse and recycle. We also have a Midwestern ethic of thriftiness. Can you apply this ethic to your flower garden? Yes! In a short period of time, our annual flowers will be killed by fall frost if left in the garden. To preserve plants for […]

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