So last week was filled with red hearts, dark chocolates and Cupid’s mischievous arrow flying about…and Mother Nature was somehow struck along the way, for she showed some sweet love to us here in the Boise valley and the thermometer topped out in the mid-50s for several days in a row!
Of course, this change in weather made my gardening DNA leap out of dormancy and I was outside poking around thinking about what could be done in the garden.
It didn’t take long for me to find something to do, for as I was out searching the garage for tools and checking on tender perennials that are overwintering, I discovered a bunch of tulip bulbs that never got in the ground!
Forget about getting a head start on Spring, I still have Fall gardening to catch up on!
Many of the tulips were attempting to put out their first sprouts and there were no signs of mold or rot on them. Since they had definitely gone through enough of a “chilling period” being in my garage the last 3 months, I drug out several pots, purchased some potting soil and “potted up” to my heart’s content on my Valentines’ day.
After planting, I watered them in and set the pots in a slightly protected southern area and fingers crossed – they’ll forgive my tardiness and show me some love this Spring with bountiful blooms glistening violet and white.
I’ve not tried tulips to this extent before so I’m unsure of what to expect. However, I discovered I’m not the only one doing this experiment. Last week at Master Gardener class, the instructor asked if anyone attempted any planting during the nice weather.
I embarrassingly shared I planted tulips and to my surprise many others chimed in saying they did the same thing!
I was not alone in my discovery of bulbs that should have been sunk in the ground last fall OR my heartfelt desire to plant something during Mother Nature’s sweet surprise of unseasonable weather.
How about you? Do you experience a strong desire to plant or “garden” during a few days of winter that are above normal temps? Have you ever tried planting tulips very late in pots or otherwise? If so, was it successful?
igardendaily 
I too feel this desire! I have just recently moved out of my parents how and therefore have never been able to have my ‘own’ garden. I used to garden everyday with my mother and love it! I am so anxious to be able to have my very own!
Yes, your own garden is very fun. I started my own about 16 years ago! Go for it!
I planted daffodils in February once, they were at least a month behind, but just fine. That’s one way to extend the bloom!
Truly! :). I just hope it doesn’t get too hot for them too soon.
One spring I found some bulbs in my refrigerator that I had forgotten I had put there the fall before (obviously, I never use that drawer, or clean out my refrigerator!). Anyway, I planted them and they came up! Can’t say they all came up, but I was quite pleased with my success. And my husband was quite pleased I had finally cleaned the refrigerator out! I hope your bulbs do just as well. I bet they do! Funny that so many in your class would admit to it, too!
I have to say that the garden bug does not bite here until the snow leaves for good and the nurseries fill with color. I always have to refrain buying as I have run out of planting space in my yard. I love having clients to add plants in gardens that I can’t.
Well, that is probably a good thing! Our climate is very conducive to short cold and warm flashes during the Spring, making it very confusing for plants and gardeners! I think it much better to have a gradual warm up from Winter. Thanks for stopping by!
I am like Donna and never get the bug until the snow is gone and the ground is warm…about April is a perfect time here…although I do have some grow bags covered with row covers and they have endured all winter…they were planted in late November…can’t wait to see if the lettuces and carrots will survive.
Very nice! I hope the grow bags work. I’d like to try some sometime.
I think ANY tulips will look great in THAT blue container!
I planted tulips in containers in December. Last year, I didn’t buy bulbs in advance, so I bought them in Costco, in small black plastic pots, with green tops already, and planted them in containers. They looked great!
I agree with Tatyana. That blue container alone, even without plants, would make an area of the garden pop!
Your blog header with the butterfly is gorgeous.