Gardening Methods

Container gardening with bulbs?

I want to plant some bulbs in a container so I have some pretty flowers in the spring to put on my balcony. I know I have to plant them soon, but I’m pretty clueless about actually getting things to grow. I have grape hyacinths, hyacinths, tulips, and daffodils. I live in Maryland, just outside DC. Balcony faces north. I know I’ll have to bring the container in once winter arrives. How often, if at all, do I water and fertilize while it’s inside? How much sun, water, and fertilizer should it get while it’s sitting on my balcony looking like a pot of dirt? How cold can it get before I move it in? How warm does it have to be before I take it back out? What kind of potting medium?

If you get a large container, and perhaps surround it with styrofoam there is no need to bring it inside. In the DC area you might not even need styrofoam. (Unless it stays below 0 for a more than a day or two.) Make sure there are drainage holes in the bottom, preferably with a saucer to catch them.

Just plant with a potting mix, most already contain fertilizer so no need to add more. Water lightly, and unless there is no exposure to the rain don’t worry about further watering. In winter, you might add evergreen boughs to the top to dress it up.

Gardening & Plant Care : How to Plant a Container Garden