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Tulip bulb planting protection
Emma915
Posts: 95
Hi All
I live in a rural area and would love to plant tulips in the back garden.
A neighbour planted 100's last year but all were eaten presumably by mice. I want to try myself this year, including possibly some in pots. I have heard of planting them and covering with chicken wire or planting amongst alliums/daffodils.
I have planted a few out the front garden previously which seemed to work well but I would really like to plant out the back and largely increase the volume without the risk of losing them.
Can anyone offer advice/experience of things that work?
Many thanks
Emma
0
Posts
Rabbits are usually the biggest problem with tulips. They eat them as soon as they appear.
I've never had a problem with mice and tulips, so can't comment on those, but squirrels don't normally dig deep enough to get them. Planting deeply will often help solve that anyway, but it also depends on the quality and maturity of the bulb, and the soil conditions. Are you sure all the bulbs were eaten? They may have rotted.
They tend to diminish over a period of time too. I only ever plant them in pots as our soil is heavy and climate wet. They last a couple of years or so and I can mesh them if necessary.
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
I have planted in large pots, covered with chicken wire until they emerge. That keeps the squirrels off. They lose interest when the new shoots start growing.
Pots with a thick layer of grit to prevent the squirrels burying nuts. Holly prunings are useful too to stick in the pot.
Thank you all.