Feeding
If you are growing bulbs in containers it is most important to use a liquid feed. Once the food reserves of the compost are completely exhausted, you will need to use a liquid feed or even a slow-release feed to sustain the bulbs. If the quality of your soil in your garden is good and if you mulch with well-rotted compost or manure there is very little need for feeding outdoors. A light application of a general fertilizer after flowering can help restore flowering energy for the following year.
After Flowering
After flowering it is very important to allow the bulb to restore its energy so that it can multiply and flower for the following year. It is also a good idea to deadhead (remove the dead flowers) so that energy is not wasted on developing seedpods. Do not cut or remove the foliage as this is the bulb’s way of manufacturing nutrients to be stored within the bulb. To remove the foliage will only weaken the developing bulb.
[caption id="attachment_1033" align="aligncenter" width="570"] Daffodil[/caption]
Naturalising Bulbs
The term naturalising means planting bulbs in grass or under trees where they can be left undisturbed for many years. Crocus and narcissi are favourites for this purpose. Snowdrops look good when planted beside a hedge or under a deciduous shrub. Although bulbs can be naturalised in a lawn, a rougher area is better as the grass will have to be left uncut until the bulb foliage dies down. This can take as long as 5-6 weeks after the flowers have finished. Aim for a natural, informal effect. To do this, scatter the bulbs at random over the area to be planted, mixing different sorts if you like and plant them where they fall. Avoid the temptation to even out the spacings. For planting, there are special bulb planters that take out a neat core of soil. Alternatively, lift flaps of turf. Loosen the soil beneath with a hand fork and then replace the turf after planting.
[caption id="attachment_1034" align="aligncenter" width="570"] Tulips[/caption]
With thanks to Bord Bia for this article. For more information on Bord Bia and for further gardening tips and advice, visit http://www.bordbia.ie/consumer/gardening/itsgardentime/pages/gardentips.aspx
Daffodil[/caption]
Naturalising Bulbs
The term naturalising means planting bulbs in grass or under trees where they can be left undisturbed for many years. Crocus and narcissi are favourites for this purpose. Snowdrops look good when planted beside a hedge or under a deciduous shrub. Although bulbs can be naturalised in a lawn, a rougher area is better as the grass will have to be left uncut until the bulb foliage dies down. This can take as long as 5-6 weeks after the flowers have finished. Aim for a natural, informal effect. To do this, scatter the bulbs at random over the area to be planted, mixing different sorts if you like and plant them where they fall. Avoid the temptation to even out the spacings. For planting, there are special bulb planters that take out a neat core of soil. Alternatively, lift flaps of turf. Loosen the soil beneath with a hand fork and then replace the turf after planting.
[caption id="attachment_1034" align="aligncenter" width="570"]
Tulips[/caption]
With thanks to Bord Bia for this article. For more information on Bord Bia and for further gardening tips and advice, visit http://www.bordbia.ie/consumer/gardening/itsgardentime/pages/gardentips.aspx 
