How to Plant Bulbs in February
- 1). Fill a plastic baggie with damp peat moss and drop your bulbs into the baggie. Store the baggie in the refrigerator 4 to 6 weeks prior to the last week in February. Refrigerating for at least 4 to 6 weeks over the winter will mimic the winter ground freeze.
- 2). Prepare the soil 18 inches down for February planting by breaking up large chunks of earth with a garden fork. Work in 4 inches of compost for added nourishment.
- 3). Remove the baggie from the refrigerator during the last week in February. Dig holes for the bulbs to the required depth listed on the packaging instructions. Deposit one bulb in each of the holes and backfill.
- 4). Water the bulbs deeply with a soaker hose after the late February planting. Provide enough deep watering to reach the bulbs that you have just planted. For instance, if you planted your bulbs at a depth of 6 inches, the water must seep down at least 6 inches. Repeat the process through March and April, when the bulbs sprout and whenever the soil dries out at the 6-inch depth.
- 5). Apply a 2- to 3-inch layer of mulch over the bulbs to help with water retention. Mulching with bark chips or straw will also help to reduce weed growth around your spring and summer blooms.