About Long Island Gardener Expertise Growing Tulips? Dahlias? Daffodils? Gladiolus? It doesn't get easier than bulbs and tubers. Once in a while, something goes wrong: The dreaded Narcissus Bulb Fly, which resembles a honeybee. Mosaic virus, which can ignite a field of tulips in a single season. Nematodes, lurking underground. Here on the North Shore of Long Island, the garden is full of surprises. If you live in the Northeast/Atlantic Coast, I can help you pick the right bulb for every season, indoors and out, and help you fertilize, bloom and harvest for home or work. How: I have degrees in related fields, but my best understanding is all learned from trial and error. For most of my 53 years I have been gardening somewhere. No matter what the problem, I've learned the best answers are always Organic -- Earth friendly, less expensive, healthier for people and pets, easier and cleaner than toxic liquids and powders that big chemical companies sell so smoothly.
Experience Besides degrees in related fields, and a few favorite horticultural societies, I work as a docent at our local botanical gardens -- but it's the years of work in the garden that's the real test.
Question Hi! We're moving and dug up about a dozen Amarillo bulbs. They may be out of the ground until mid-winter or next spring. Should we put them in plastic bags, mulch, garage, etc.? We live in the Myrtle Beach, SC area. Thank you!
Answer No plastic bags for ... Amaryllis Bulbs? Hope we're talking about the same plant here.
Plastic cuts off Oxygen, which breeds and boosts growth of anaerobes. Those are the ones that cause disease.
Use a paper bag. It breathes at least. Fill the bag with damp peatmoss and some Bulbs, then place in a box and keep cool and dark. Quite easy, and you can't beat the blooms.
