What makes a spring bulb and why would I plant them?  Spring Bulbs (Hardy Bulbs) are a plant that stores its complete life cycle in an underground enclosed compartment which contains all of the food needed for the plant to grow and flower.  They need cold winter months or dormancy to build up the energy to grow and blossom in the spring.  Spring bulbs come back year after year and provide beautiful spring flowers.

Have your young gardener pick a sunny spot for your tulip garden and then go to your local gardening center to find just the perfect colors.  Your young gardener will enjoy choosing the colors based on their favorite or mix and match for an added boost of color.

Collect the Following:

• Trowel or Bulb Planter

• Spring Bulbs

• Garden Spot

• Gloves (optional)

• Garden markers (optional)

Let’s Get Planting!  One way to have your young gardener help is to place bulbs in the pattern desired whether that be by height, color or design.  This is a perfect time to allow your young gardener to be creative.  After the bulbs are laid out you can start digging the holes needed for each bulb.  Spring bulbs should be planted in the ground 2-3 times the height of the bulb.  Once the holes are prepared, it is time to plant.  But before you place the bulb in the hole, let your young gardener identify the pointy end of the bulb.  When planting, the pointy end needs to be planted upward. Begin placing each bulb (pointy side up) into the holes dug and then fill in the holes and pack the soil down.  Markers can be placed near the planting area to remind you and your young gardener what and where you planted the spring bulbs.  

Now comes the hard part - waiting until spring to see the beautiful flowers that were planted.  But, oh, what a glorious prize.

Photo Credits: Stockcake.com (1), PickPik.com (2), www.pikist.com (3)