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Tulips already showing

HappyinthegardenHappyinthegarden Posts: 5
in The potting shed
A couple of weeks ago I planted some new Tulips in a container outside and they are already showing green shoots. Should I cover them with more compost?
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  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    Did you plant them deeply enough? They need to be around 3 times the depth of the bulb  :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • HappyinthegardenHappyinthegarden Posts: 5
    I'm pretty sure I did - shall I top up the compost to make sure? (Hope I'm replying to Fairygirl! It's my first post....)
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    Yes - you can add a little more compost. It's not unusual for some bulbs to show a little over autumn/winter, but they'll slow down when the weather changes anyway  :)

    Anyone can see your posts and reply @4542, and if you do what I just did there with your name - using '@' and then starting to type a name, you'll get suggestions for the name you're replying to, and can click on that. 
    It's really useful if you have lots of replies, and just want to say thanks or ask a question about something else, rather than quoting entire posts which some people do. That's very annoying when it's a huge post full of photos as it also fills pages unnecessarily!  ;)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • HappyinthegardenHappyinthegarden Posts: 5
    @Fairygirl Thank you so much!
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    I should have added - if you're in a wet area, keep them somewhere up against a house wall or similar, because they don't appreciate getting really soaked long term. Even under a bench or table at this time of year can be helpful   :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • AnniDAnniD Posts: 12,585
    Putting the pots on bricks or "pot feet" will also help with drainage. 
    If you have squirrels in the vicinity you might want to protect the top of the pots to keep the bulbs safe  :)
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    Oh yes - good point @AnniD. The little tree rats will have all the small bulbs especially, as they're planted less deep than the bigger bulbs. Chicken wire or mesh/net of any kind is ideal.
    I tie it in place with string round the tops of pots to stop it getting blown away.  :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • Alan Clark2 in LiverpoolAlan Clark2 in Liverpool Posts: 2,190
    A mulch of grit will also deter the tree rats.
  • HappyinthegardenHappyinthegarden Posts: 5
    @Fairygirl @Alan Clark2 in Liverpool Thank you so much for your help. Those Tulips are going to be well looked after!
  • HappyinthegardenHappyinthegarden Posts: 5
    @AnniD Thank you for your help - I do have some of those pot feet somewhere...
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