Growing Tulips

Posted by Trevy Thomas Mar 19, 2008

Last fall, I planted tulip bulbs and have been axiously awaiting their arrival. I've seen the leaves come up hiding a precious flower center, and check every day for blooms. We've had a disappointing gardening experience here thanks to the plentiful deer population. I've come to think of my past gardening efforts as deer food, and I've no doubt they wait for each year's menu. I thought the tulips might escape them because of their early, and brief, showing. After a little research, I see that tulips are yet another favorite feast for deer, and I imagine they are waiting with as much baited breath as I am for our spring treat. I've found instructions on how to avoid this: try putting hair in the garden, spray the flowers with cayenne pepper, sit up all night with a gun (I made that one up). The best advice I've received is "don't plant tulips if deer are a problem." I read this too late. Apparently, they do not like hyacinth, daffodil, and many other spring blooming bulbs I could have planted. Maybe I enjoy attracting deer. Meanwhile, I will covet my blooms and see who wins. Good luck with your spring garden.