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Bulbs/Daffodil bulbs

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Expert: Long Island Gardener - 7/23/2008


Question
My neighbor dug up there daffodil bulbs and gave them to me,right now they are in a bucket all dried up.I'm in Northeastern Ohio in zip code44505 when should I plant these? Thanks,Mark

Answer
Sorry to keep you waiting so long for an answer here, Mark.  I am terribly backed up here at AllExperts.  There isn't much help around here these days and I am trying my best to answer all the questions I can, but there are only 24 hours in a day.  So I hope you understand.

Your Daffodils won't go into the ground until next Fall ... LATE next Fall.  Too early, and they may end up sprouting, especially in this global warming climate we are seeing.  But you have to get them in the ground before it freezes, and also give them a chance to build a root system.  When night temps don't go above 50 degrees F, you'll be putting them in the ground, 6 inches to 10 inches.

Throw in a handful of Bone Meal under the bulb to help it get a good, strong root system.  And make sure that your Soil has EXCELLENT drainage so they don't rot from a cold water bath over the Winter.

Keep them dark and cool, in your bucket, dry as dry can be, until you're ready to get them in the ground.  Very thoughtful of your neighbor to give you those.  Yet another reason we can love thy neighbor,

Thanks for writing,

THE LONG ISLAND GARDENER

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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.

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