"Des Higgins" wrote in message
oups.com...
On Nov 5, 6:58 pm, wrote:
Hi

I have just planted some bulbs: Tulips, Narcissus, Allium Moly, Allium
Ostrowskanium and Puschkinias

On the bulb packs it says that once planted I should protect the bulbs
from the cold by mulching. I am a bit confused I have been reading on
the Internet that bulbs need cold in order to develop?

Also I don't really understand the concept of mulching. Apparently it
is possible to mulch with compost but then I don't really understand
in what way that is different to burying the bulbs deeper? If I bury
the bulbs 4 inches deep and mulch with 2 inches of compost. Isn't it
pretty much the same as if I had initially buried them 6 inches deep?
At least in terms of protection from the cold?

Thanks

Mulch behaves differently to the top layers of soil. It is aerated
and soaks up rain and reacts to frost differently to the soil
itself. Normally, most bulbs do not need specific mulching (daffs,
tulips and alliums for example) but mulch can look nice, keep weeks
down and add organic matter to teh soil. Mind you, in Switzerland it
does get bleedin chilly so maybe it is needed there.

Des in non frozen but damp and dark Dublin

Plus it doesn't really matter if bulbs are a bit deeper. Better than too
shallow and they will soon adjust themselves to the correct depth


--
Rowdens Reservoir Allotments
Best Allotment Site in Plymouth
Plymouth In Bloom Gold Award 2007
www.rraa.moonfruit.com