Newbie Bulb Question

Just after purchasing our first home about 10 years ago, I planted a bunch of little bulbs in a bed out front. Purple crocus and Snowdrops. I have always left them alone and they return for me every spring.

Planning to do some replanting in the rest of the bed DH tilled, added soil and mulched. I asked him to leave the part of the bed w/ the bulbs alone. Now the soil is 3 - 4 inches higher in the larger part of the bed and I am wondering if I can add soil to the top of the bulb area to level it out and if my bulbs will be okay if I do? Or should I dig them up add the soil then replant.

Any help will be greatly appreciated. Thanks ;D

I've found that bulbs are quite forgiving about planting depth. Some bulbs will actually
pull themselves up or down to get to the proper depth. I think you should
be OK to put 3-4" soil on top. It'll be interesting to hear what other folks' view is on
this.

Tam

I agree that it will be okay to add 3 or 4 inches of soil.
Bulbs are fairly forgiving and they do adjust them selves to the right depth.

Caroline

I agree bulbs are very forgiving and they do adjust themselves to what depth they need.

I think that it will take them longer to bloom? IMHO Because of the depth.

Cathy

If you are worried about the bulbs, you could remove them and replant them at the new depth. At this time of year, it should be okay so long as your soil is not frozen hard. I wouldn't wait too much longer though. Crocus and snowdrops will start putting down roots a couple of months before they bloom, so that time is coming near (for me in zone 8b). Not sure about your zone though. What month did they bloom for you this spring?

Thanks all so much for your replies ;D Along with my forsythia, these always are the first signs of life in my garden each spring. I'm a fairly lazy gardner so the likelyhood of me digging them up is pretty small. I'm going to try adding the soil. If they don't come up for me in the spring, I guess then I'll be forced to dig them up next fall. ;D Thanks again for the shot of confidence.