newbie looking for a little bulb growing info
Mark Mazer (Sat, 19 Jul 2008 14:10:09 PDT)
I am fairly new to this list and with winter growing bulbs from south
africa. I would like to ask if anyone could spare a little wisdom with me. I am
disabled and taking care of the many small bulbs in lots of small pots is
getting me down. >> Any thoughts on the subject?
Raised beds are ideal for small bulbs. I had a large one at my old house, and
another, smaller one where I am now, but the railway ties I used for walls
ultimately turned out to be harboring carpenter ants, so they were disposed of
and now the bed is nicknamed "the burial mound."
There is another strategy that could be employed as you have a disability and access is very important. Roger does a fine job describing a raised bed that goes from ground level, but please also consider a deep planting box that is up on legs or masonary columns. With the availibility of lightweight expanded stone aggregates and a properly designed structure, you can gain access from all four sides. There are several books that address the subject of gardening disabled and I would be willing to bet that any competant carpenter could assemble an adequate structure. I would imagine that a bed 9 to 12 inches deep would prove adequate for the cultivation of your bulbs. I have seen these types of planters at progressive nursing homes and rehab facilities used for growing vegetables and ornamental flowers and would imagine that with a little thought they could be modified for a bulb collection. I would test the design with a small bed to start.
Mark Mazer
Hertford, North Carolina
Zone 7b-8