Spring Bulb Planting Guide

Plant bulbs this fall for a beautiful spring!

Spring flowering bulbs are now available at Estabrook's! To help you with your fall plantings, here are a few answers to some of the many questions we receive about bulbs.

When do you plant them?

Fall is the best time to plant spring flowering bulbs. However, flower bulbs can be planted even when winter frost has appeared, as long as the soil or compost is easily cultivated.

How do you plant them?

There are several different ways to plant flower bulbs, but the most popular is to simply dig a shallow hole using a trowel. To create a more "natural" effect, gently scatter flower bulbs over your desired planting area, letting them land in whatever holes they "find".

How far apart should they be spaced?

Smaller bulbs should be planted fairly close together, roughly 4" apart while larger bulbs should have approximately 5" separating them. To create a bolder splash of color, you can plant them even closer, to the point where your bulbs are almost touching.

What's the proper soil for planting flower bulbs?

Flower bulbs thrive in well-drained soil, when left to grow and naturalize. They prefer some organic material or compost mixed in with the planting soil. It's important to remember, however, that before planting anything, you should always cultivate your garden soil. It not only makes planting much easier, it also helps the bulbs' new roots get off to a good start. Bulbs can be planted in pots as well, as long as they contain free-draining soil or compost. In this way, they won't need additional plant foods during their initial growing season.

What after-care do bulbs need?

After bulbs have been planted, water the soil well. It's also a good idea to give them a little extra protection from frosts by covering them with straw, dead leaves, or compost.

Establishing a New Home Lawn

Follow these tips for a healthy vibrant lawn now and in the future!

Late summer and early fall is the best time to establish a lawn in Maine. The soil is still warm, so seeds have time to germinate before the cold winter weather comes, and weed competition is far less severe than in the spring. With that in mind, here are a few tips for getting the most out of your lawn this season:

Seeding

Use the highest quality seed you can afford that is suitable to your environmental conditions. Use a broadcast seeder to distribute the seeds evenly over your proposed lawn area, then rake them into the ground to a depth of roughly 1/4". Water is very important at this stage - make sure to keep the area moist without saturating it. Once germination has started, your lawn should be watered when it feels dry to the touch.

Mulching

We usually think of "mulching" flower beds, but by mulching a new lawn with straw, you can help establish your new grass by protecting the seedbed from direct sunlight and wind. When selecting your straw, just make sure it is clean and free of any weed seeds - one bale will roughly cover 1,000 square feet, and at that rate of application, it will not even need to be removed after germination.

Sodding

An alternative to seeding, laying down a layer of sod will create an "instant lawn". Sod can be purchased in strips and laid on prepared soil in staggered rows to encourage a knitted-together look. By watering well in the first few weeks, you'll have a fully grown lawn in no time!

The gardening professionals at Estabrook's would be happy to answer any questions you might have about establishing or maintaining your home's lawn, so feel free to visit or give us a call with questions. We also stock all the seed, straw, fertilizers and spreaders you'll need to keep your lawn in great shape all season long.