Re: bulb planting tools ?
Beth wrote:
> I just went crazy, ordering wayyyy too many bulbs to plant this fall.
> Many will be planted in my flower borders, but I will plant some to
> naturalize in grass. Question - what's your favorite tool for planting
> bulbs - I see a number of special tools advertised for this purpose. Any
> words of wisdom to make the process go as simply and easily as possible?
>
> Thanks !
> Beth
> zone 5 - Michigan
My favorite bulb-planting tool is my handy garden spade. I know this is a
bit unconventional, but I find it easier to dig one large hole, place a
group of bulbs at the bottom, and then fill it back up. I like a
dibber/dibble for randomly placing small bulbs like crocus, snowdrops, etc.
Larger bulbs meant for naturalizing like daffodils are best planted deep
(8") and I've never seen a commercial bulb planter which goes that deep --
which is why I go with the shovel.
It really depends on your soil. In many areas here in Michigan, where we
have a lot of yellow clay (I think my yard is the epicenter!), the standard
bulb-planter is useless. I've seen other areas where they have nice sandy
loam where fingers are all that's necessary to plant bulbs. Those
auger-things look interesting but I've never used one.
Dean Sliger
Warren, MI, USA
Zone 6B
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