Expert: Kenneth Joergensen - 4/28/2006

Question
I have two questions.
1st  we have been given about 100 tulip plants that someone has just dug up.  I want to plant about 30.  but we will be moving in about 4 month and I like to take the rest with me. how do I save the bulbs from the tulips plant stems I don't plant now? We live in Ky now and will be moving to Wy. how will the different climints effect them.
2nd  I have a gold fish pond with about 100 gold fish- some of the plants around the pound are getting tiny little white bugs on them.  What can I spray on them to get rid of the bugs without hurting the fish in the pond?


Answer
You need to find a place to plant the tulip bulbs temporarily so they can continue to grow their green leaves for as long as at all possible. These green leaves will recharge the bulbs for next year's bloom. Several pots or large planters can work. They can be planted close.

Fertilize once with 10-10-10 fertilizer.

When leaves die back, harvest bulbs 2-4 weeks later and sort them. Only take the larger bulbs discharding any bulbs which have split (into two smaller bulbs). You can also throw away any small or miniature looking bulbs.

Store the larger bulbs cool and dry until next fall and plant when first mild night frost occurs.

There are several bug sprays on the market. I do not know about impact to Gold Fish, and suggest you contact someone on the pond message board, or the store where the fish were purchased.

-- Kenneth