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Bulb planting and mulch

Mr. Vine EyeMr. Vine Eye Posts: 2,394
in Plants
Hi all, when planting bulbs at the right depth - three times their height - do you factor in the depth of mulch on top of the soil at all?

Option 1: move the mulch back, plant the bulbs at the required depth in the soil and then replace mulch

Option 2: plant bulbs through the mulch, including that top layer as part of the planting depth.

Option 3: as option 1, but reduce the depth  slightly to account for the mulch coverage

I've been doing Option 1. Just checking if that's correct. 250 bulbs to plant this weekend!
East Yorkshire

Posts

  • owd potterowd potter Posts: 979
    1 or 3, either of which disregard the mulch.
    Hope you are feeling better MVE 
    Just another day at the plant...
  • JennyJJennyJ Posts: 10,576
    edited September 2022
    Bulb depth isn't a precise science, and it won't hurt to be a bit deeper than the recommended depth (just not much shallower). I'd go for 1 if there was mulch down (generally I add it in the spring when the soil is moist enough).
    Doncaster, South Yorkshire. Soil type: sandy, well-drained
  • PlantmindedPlantminded Posts: 3,580
    I've done Option one every year for the last 9 years.  As well as protecting the soil from frost, the mulch can also conceal the scent of the bulbs and reduce the likelihood of squirrels investigating!
    Wirral. Sandy, free draining soil.


  • GardenerSuzeGardenerSuze Posts: 5,692
    Yes option one better deeper. 
    I have worked as a Gardener for 24 years. My latest garden is a new build garden on heavy clay.
  • M33R4M33R4 Posts: 291
    I laid a few inches of mulch recently and that was a concern but you've put my mind to rest now. My previous bulbs will be appearing at some point then  :)
    I wish I could garden all year round!
  • Cambridgerose12Cambridgerose12 Posts: 1,134
    Mulch tends to be lighter and looser anyway so it's easier for the bulb shoot to grow through. Conversely, if you plant it 2 inches deep but with 3 inches of mulch on top, the blackbirds are quickly going to move the mulch around and your bulb won't be deep enough any more. So option 1.
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