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.
What is the best way to transplant bulbs?
If you are moving bulbs that have already sprung up, as long as you get up as much of the surrounding soil and roots when digging them up, they should be fine. It may also help to have planting holes pre-dug in the new location (with similar growing conditions) so you can replant your bulbs as soon as possible after digging them up. This article will help with any shock that the plants may experience: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/environmental/learn-how-to-avoid-and-repair-transplant-shock-in-plants.htm If you are simply planting out bulbs that have previously been stored over winter, then take them from their stored locations and plant them in a suitable location that receive plenty of light and drainage.
Since it is still cold with snow showers, is it safe to remove the fall leaves I use as winter mulch from my spring bulb beds, and also my container plants? Or should I wait until the air warms up? I have noticed the tops of the spring bulbs peeking through the leaves and I check on the blueberry (Top Hat variety) and it is starting to develop fresh new growth. Also, the yard has thawed out. Any advice you could give would greatly be appreciated.
Yes, it should be fine to go ahead with your early spring cleanup, weather permitting. Most of the spring bulbs that pop up now, along with blueberry plant growth, are fairly hardy so they shouldn't be affected by any snow or cold temps. Hopefully, winter will soon be gone for good and warmer weather taking its place. I would, however, hold off on any spring planting until it's warmer and the threat of frost or freeze is passed.