Expert: Laura Walker - 10/7/2006

Question
Laura, I need you help. I'm prepairing a 70ft long, 10 inch deep trench to plant tulips. The problem is that this trench is sort of low to the ground. We recently had alot of rain. Now, 5 days later, the water about 3-4 inches is still at the bottom of this trench. There's obviously a drainage problem. Before I put $200 worth of tulips in this trench what soil and or substance can I use in this trench to assure that the water will obsorb and not pool at the bottom? Everywhere I've read that tulips will rot if there in standing water.  

Answer
Carl,
Tulip bulbs will most certainly rot in standing water. There are several steps to follow to solve this problem and make a gorgeous Tulip bed if you are willing to put in a good day's work.A little back strain will be rewarded by a beautiful display of spring color if you are willing and able.
Follow these steps and I guarantee you will see the results you are aiming for.
You need to make that trench ground level or even a bit above ground level to have a great display.
Materials needed:
Average playbox sand,medium sized white rock or gravel,average garden soil,big bags of premixed potting soil with perlite and plant food in the mix.Holland Bulb fertilizer.I get these at Lowes,Home Depot or any large garden center that sells in quantity.The gravel would be less expensive and easier on the back if you had it hauled in a small pick up sized load instead of struggling with bags.The sand could also be hauled in. 200 large sized Darwin Tulips or that's fine if you have already purchased your preference type.
1st step:Line the entire trench in about 6 inches of sand.This is to absorb lots of water.
2nd. step:Top the layer of sand with about a 7  8 inch layer of gravel.This is for drainage.
3rd. step: Apply about 2 feet of average garden soil taken from somewhere on your property.Just throw out the clumps.You don't have to sift the soil or grade it up or anything.This is for substance and height of the bed.Try to level it up or even go above ground level with it.It will eventually settle to ground level over time.
4th step: Finish it off by spreading the premixed potting soil over the entire bed and mix it in just a bit with the average garden soil.Also add some Holland Bulb Booster to the entire mix.
5th and funnest step:Plant the Tulip bulbs about 7 inches deep in your newly created bed.Plant them over the entire bed about 4 inches apart.It may not take 200 bulbs.That is up to you on how close you want them. Choose how many colors you prefer.That is totally up to you and what your preference is.Water the area moderately.Don't soak it.You should also lightly mulch the area with pine needles or hardwood mulch chips.Do not use big chunks of poor grade mulch.This will hinder the bulbs from emerging in spring.

That's it.Now just sit back after all that hard work and wait for spring. Don't forget to send me a photo!