How do you keep squirrels from digging up bulbs?
Thee following articles should be of help: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/bulbs/bgen/protect-flower-bulbs.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/animals/get-rid-squirrels.htm
A couple of notes. If you use the layers of sharp gravel, use 1.5 - 2 inches. If you use things like blood meal, hair or spray on deterrants, be aware that with time or rain, these become ineffective. We have found that live-trapping is a waste of time.
What if one plants spring bulbs in June? Are they likely to grow?
The Following articles have a lot of information on spring bulbs:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/bulbs/bgen/is-it-too-late-to-plant-bulbs-when-to-plant-bulbs.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/bulbs/bgen/how-to-plant-bulbs-in-the-south.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/bulbs/bgen/how-to-store-bulbs-that-have-sprouted.htm
This link will take you to more bulb information:
http://www.google.com/cse?cx=012078378210706707791%3Af1h5n_k1r5e&ie=UTF-8&q=planting+spring+bulbs&oq=planting+spring+bulbs&gs_l=partner.3...3509.15322.0.16589.27.19.2.6.6.0.348.2780.2j14j2j1.19.0.gsnos%2Cn%3D13..0.0.11828j11696290j27j3..1ac.1.-QKqLoRZHYs#gsc.tab=0&gsc.q=planting%20spring%20bulbs&gsc.page=1
How do I store new bulbs that are still in factory package?
This article should help, even if the bulbs have not yet sprouted: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/bulbs/bgen/how-to-store-bulbs-that-have-sprouted.htm
I have some flower beds, mixed perennials/annuals, and I would like to amend the soil for better growth and blooming. Short of digging up the bulbs and plants, is there any way to topdress these beds to accomplish this? I live in the Northeast, if that matters. Thanks.
You can use a small shovel, trowel or hoe to loosen (not dig) the soil around your plants and in other areas of the bed. Then simply mix in some compost or other organic matter, such as well rotted manure--some people also choose to just sprinkle this in top of the existing soil, which is fine but this will take longer to absorb into the soil. Top with mulch (preferably organic type) once plants begin popping up.
Can forced bulbs be stored and reused the following season? Thanks.
You need to make sure that they get plenty of sunlight and are well fertilized when the leaves are still green. This is how they store their energy for next season. Once the leaves have faded to yellow, you can store them for next year. Some varieties of bulbs, like daffodils and crocus, need to be chilled before they can bloom again. To chill them, you need to place them in the fridge (veggie drawer is best) for at least 6 weeks.
We planted flower bulbs last fall and covered the bed with hay. Snow has melted from this area and the bulbs are sprouting through the hay. Should I carefully remove the hay or let the plants sprout through the hay?
I see no harm in letting the bulbs simply continue to grow up through the hay, provided it is not too thick. Otherwise, you can gently spread it out thinner or remove altogether.
I missed the opportunity to plant my fall bulbs. Are there any options besides throwing them out? Thank you.
As long as they are still firm, you can plant them as soon as the ground is workable this spring. They will likely bloom for you this spring too.