A light dusting of snow and a wind chill of zero can not mask the fact that spring is just around the corner.
The recent warm days have caused many of the spring blooming bulbs to begin poking their heads above ground. As these indicators of spring begin to wake from a long winter's nap, our first instinct is to protect them from the frosty cold.
However, this is not the best response. So, if your spring flowering bulbs are beginning to grow, here are some do's and don'ts that may help them along.
The natural growth cycle of spring flowering bulbs is to grow roots in the fall, go dormant and then begin vegetative growth when soil temperatures warm in the spring. Oftentimes, soil temperatures rise faster than air temperatures, and bulbs will begin to grow even though the nights fall below freezing.
Watchful gardeners notice this and wonder if the emerging growth should be protected. The answer is no.
Even though the tissue looks succulent and tender, it is rather cold hardy. In addition, the actual flower bud is still protected and is not likely to freeze. By piling mulch or other forms of organic material on top, you will only be trapping that warmth causing the plants to grow even more. By leaving the plants uncovered, they will stop the growth and wait for warmer weather.
So, what is a gardener to do? Fertilize.
In university testing, it was found that bulbs have the maximum amount of stored energy at the time of blooming. Traditionally, this is when gardeners have been encouraged to fertilize. In reality, roots die when flowering starts. To provide the maximum amount of nutrition, it is best to fertilize in early spring, when plants are just starting to come out of the ground.
Similarly, there is some confusion as to the best fertilizer to use. Organic fertilizers, such as bone meal and blood meal, work well. Although they do not supply high levels of nutrients, they are safe and easy to use. Commercial fertilizers are easily accessible and cost less per pound.
Because our Kansas soils usually have adequate amounts of phosphorus and potassium, a balanced fertilizer such as 10-10-10 is not desired. Use a complete lawn type fertilizer such as 23-3-3. Apply it at the rate of 1 pound of nitrogen per 100 square feet of flower bed. Be sure to select a fertilizer that does not contain other chemicals, such as pre-emergent herbicides.
Spring blooming bulbs are a wonderful way to welcome a new gardening season. And with the warmer temperatures comes that long-awaited spring display. Even though the night temperatures are falling below freezing, do not cover the plants as they begin to poke their curious heads through the soil. Fertilize them instead. In a few weeks, the weather will break and spring will be in the air.
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