Naturalizing Bulbs

For planting bulbs under a tree or in a lawn, use a drill with an auger bit to drill individual holes for the bulbs. Place bulb food in each hole and then place the bulbs. Cover them with soil and mulch and continue the process until all bulbs are planted.

• Cut an H-shape into the sod using a spade.
  
• Undercut the sod by sliding the spade under the grass roots and fold back the sod flaps to expose the bare soil beneath.
  
• Roll the sod gently away, taking care not to damage it as it will be used to cover the bulbs. Don't worry if the sod breaks up a little, it will repair itself once it's replanted.
  
• Loosen the top three inches of soil with a garden fork.
  
• Mix in bone meal at a rate of 1/2-ounce per square yard. When you are planting bulbs in grass, the bulbs have to compete with the grass for nutrients; this amendment will help the bulbs thrive.
  
• Place the bulbs at the correct depth and cover with loosened soil.
  
• Roll the sod flap back over the soil and tamp in lightly.

When naturalizing in a lawn area, keep in mind that you can't mow the lawn until the flowers have bloomed and died back--about six weeks after the bulbs have bloomed. The bulbs need this time to gather strength for the next growing season. Also remember that any fertilizer you use on your lawn will affect the bulbs. Stay away from high-nitrogen fertilizers because they could hinder bulb growth.