Plant bulbs for springtime splendor
One of the easiest ways to add color to your spring garden is to plant spring-flowering bulbs. Now through early January is the ideal time to plant.
When choosing bulbs, select those that are large, firm and blemish-free. The size of the bulb determines the size of the flower next spring.
Plant bulbs in holes two to three times their size, deep in the ground in a sunny, well-drained location. Planting in large masses will make a stunning display next spring. Bulbs are sold in their dormant or dry state. When planted, they begin to initiate roots, and the stems inside the bulbs begin to grow.
Spring-blooming bulbs need to go through a chilling process to reach their full potential. Typically, a minimum of 12 to 16 weeks of temperatures between 35 and 50 degrees are required for the bulbs to stretch and elongate a stem and leaves. The colder the winter, the taller the tulips and daffodils will be.
Planting bulbs in large masses will make a stunning spring display.
GREEN | TYPE | VARIETIES | CULTURE |
---|---|---|---|
Beet | Seed-grown. | Ruby Queen, Detroit Dark Red, Red Ace | Both roots and leaves are edible. |
Collard | Seed or transplants (60 days minimum before harvesting). | Champion, Georgia, Morris Heading, Vates | Largest of the green crops. Very cold-tolerant. Needs well-drained soil. Fertilization should be done at planting, and then side-dress two to three more times throughout the season. |
Kale | Seeds or transplants. | Green Lance, Lacinato, Redbor, Red Russian, Winterbor | Cold-tolerant. Harvest as baby greens, or let grow. Water when dry. Can be edible ornamental. |
Mustard | Seeds or sometimes transplants. | Florida Broadleaf, Red Giant, Savannah, Southern Giant | Most pungent spicy green. Can be harvested as microgreens, or let grow to maturity. Fertilize at planting. |
Spinach | Seeds or transplants. | Bloomsdale Long Standing, Tyee Hybrid, Avon | Prefers more alkaline soil with excellent drainage. Easier as a fall crop. |
Swiss Chard | Seeds or transplants. | Bright Lights, Fordhook Giant, Rhubarb | Often used as an edible ornamental. Colorful stems and edible foliage. Not as cold-tolerant as other greens. |
Turnip | Seeds or sometimes transplants. | Alamo, Purple Top, Sevel Top, Tokyo White | Easy crop to grow. Can be used as a green manure crop. Very cold-hardy. Grown for greens on top and turnip roots beneath. |