Making plans for potted bulbs post bloom

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Q. In the fall we planted several pots of bulbs, which we over-wintered in our carport. Some are blooming on the deck now. This the first time we have made plantings like this, and now we are wondering what to do with the bulbs once they have finished blooming. Will they flower again next spring?

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A. After growing and blooming in the confines of a pot, bulbs will be somewhat depleted following their flower display. The first thing to do is to remove faded flowers, and let the plants die down naturally, reducing water gradually as they begin to wilt.

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If you need the pot for planting something else, the bulbs can be unpotted and dug into the garden for dying back. Here, you have choices. Leave the entire planting clump whole, firm it in carefully into good soil that is moderately damp, and dig the bulbs later for storing in a cool, dark spot until planting time in the fall.

I usually sidestep the digging and storing part by upotting the bulbs, separating them carefully and planting them to die back in places where they are to be left to bloom again.

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They can be planted between shrubs and perennials in ornamental beds, or used to set up a spring “cutting garden” of bulb flowers.

I set up one such planting, of previously potted tulips, along a fence. It was an easy way to be sure of having fresh cut tulips for the house over future spring seasons.

Q. During the chilly weather this spring, I was never sure when it was safe to put transplants I’d grown into my little greenhouse. How much protection does an unheated greenhouse offer?

A. Not much. I keep a minimum-maximum thermometer in mine, and wait to move even the hardiest transplants such as violas, pansies, leeks and onions into the greenhouse until, inside it, overnight low temperatures no longer dip below 5 C.

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