As fall approaches, gardeners eagerly prepare for the next spring’s burst of color by planting bulbs. Tulips, daffodils, crocuses, and other spring-blooming bulbs need to be planted in the fall to ensure they have the right conditions to sprout and bloom when the weather warms up. While planting bulbs can be an enjoyable process, it’s not without its challenges. Fortunately, there are tools that can make bulb planting easier and faster. But there’s also one thing gardeners frequently buy that ends up being a total waste of money.
The Big Bulb Planting Mistake: What You’re Wasting Your Money On
Let’s start with the big secret: most gardeners waste money every year on bulb fertilizers that promise bigger, brighter flowers. Many believe that without these fertilizers, their bulbs won’t thrive. However, the truth is that most spring-blooming bulbs come pre-loaded with all the nutrients they need to grow and bloom in their first season. They store these nutrients within the bulb itself, which is why your tulips and daffodils will usually bloom beautifully the first year, even if the soil isn’t perfect.
That’s not to say fertilizer is always unnecessary—it can help in future seasons, especially if you’re trying to naturalize your bulbs. But for that first planting season? Save your money and focus on proper planting depth and soil drainage instead.
SEVEN Tools to Speed Up Your Bulb Planting
Now that you know what to skip, let’s talk about the tools that can really make your bulb planting process smoother and faster. These seven tools are true time-savers and will help you plant bulbs efficiently, without breaking your back.
1. Bulb Auger (Drill Attachment)
If you’re planting a large number of bulbs, a bulb auger is a game-changer. This spiral-shaped drill bit attaches to a power drill and quickly digs holes for bulbs, even in tough, clay-like soil. The auger easily drills into the ground, saving you from manually digging each hole. This tool is especially helpful for planting bulbs en masse, like daffodils or tulips.
Why it’s great: It saves time and energy, especially when planting hundreds of bulbs.
2. Bulb Planter with Depth Gauge
A hand-held bulb planter is another essential tool. Many of these planters have depth gauges marked on the side, so you know exactly how deep to plant each bulb. Different bulbs need different depths to grow successfully, and this tool ensures consistency.
Why it’s great: Ensures you plant bulbs at the correct depth, which is crucial for healthy growth and vibrant blooms.
3. Long-Handled Bulb Planter
For gardeners who find bending over difficult, a long-handled bulb planter is a perfect solution. It works similarly to a regular bulb planter but allows you to plant while standing, saving your back from strain. Simply press it into the ground, twist, and lift out a core of soil.
Why it’s great: Reduces strain on your back and knees, especially useful for planting in large areas.
4. Hori Hori Knife
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