First time planting Caladium bulbs

Actually, this is my first time planting anything....but I ordered a mixed box of 50 Fancy Leaf Caladium bulbs (#1) from Happiness Farms and I just got them today. Yay!! I'm so excited! Of course, the weather is too cold to plant this weekend so I'll be putting them in the ground next week. In the meantime, I've got some questions.

The planting instructions suggest mixing in some leaf mold or peat moss. Is leaf mold something I can buy or is it something I would've had to have made ahead of time?

If it's something that can be bought, then can you tell me if one is better than the other? Leaf mold or Peat Moss? I have well drained sandy soil and the bulbs will be planted in the shade.

Thanks in advance!
Stephanie

Garden compost is your best bet, home-made or purchased. The idea is to put more organic matter in the soil to make it light and porous, water-retentive and full of nutrients for your plants. The term leaf-mould usually means compost. Caladiums don't like wet feet, but they prefer even moisture and compost will keep your sandy soil from drying out too quickly, which could stress the plants.

I second Andy's suggestion of adding the compost. I would add some peat moss too though. The reason I say that is from my own experience.
The soil is very sandy in our area too so that is always a challenge. I amended my soil with both the compost and peat moss last year when I planted caladiums for first time on a whim and they did so great that I bought some more this year.

Ok, thank you so much for the feedback. My local gardening friends told me to add Miracle Gro Garden Soil to the flower beds before I start planting. They warned me that it's full of manure. Do you think that'll work for the compost part?

Also, how much Peat Moss would you suggest I use? I've heard of it but since I'm brand spanking new to planting, I've never seen it and am unfamiliar with how to use it.

Thanks again for your help!
Stephanie

I've used MiracleGro garden soil myself, and I don't have anything against it except the price (they have to pay for all those commercials somehow!). In my experience it does a good job at enriching the soil and adding good texture for soil porosity and moisture retention.

You can get the same results with a less expensive product, such as composted manure (cow/steer or sheep), or a general 'garden compost' product. These are often available at big box stores for $1-$2 per bag. If it's labeled 'composted', it's usually relatively odour-free, has few weed seeds and should not burn your plants (a problem with manure that isn't composted). The nutrient component is usually 1-1-1 or 2-1-1, which means you're getting some of the basic nutrients as well as tilth.

Peat moss can be difficult to use because it is hydrophobic (resists water). If you dig it in well, this shouldn't be a problem, but if you just leave it on the surface of the soil it can be hard to wet down. If dry, it will blow away in a strong wind. It's also acidic, which might make your soil too acid for some plants (adding lime will help, but if your soil is already alkaline you won't need to). Overall, though, it's a good addition if you dig it in with your sandy soil and then water well.

You might check out the soils and composting forum (I think that's what it's called) here on DG, where you'll find lots of good threads on improving soil. And if you want to start composting on your own for future years, you'll get good advice there.

Good luck!

I spread about an inch of the peat moss and two inches of the compost on soil surface and then mix it into the soil with tiller or gardening fork. Water the area well before planting.
Spaghnum peat moss is usually available at almost any place that carries lawn and garden supplies. It is compacted tightly in a plastic covered cube or rectangle and so are getting lots for size of package. Wise to spread on nonwindy day and definitely don't want open bag left outdoors if it rains as will quickly find out how much water retention capacity it really has. :)
Our soil is slightly acid. I haven't had any problem with it getting too acid with the adding of the one to two inches of peat moss and really helps with keeping soil moist which is a challenge in sand country. Mulching around the planting with chopped leaves or coco bean shells (also available at lawn and garden centers) will also help with keeping area moist. Spread the mulch around each area where the caladium is planted but not on top and keep mulch about one inch away from the plant once it comes up.
Caladiums take 3-4 weeks to come up so don't get discouraged. Just keep soil moist and the results will be well worth the wait. In our sandy area plants need water twice a week about 1/2 inch of water (or rain). Easiest way to know amount plant is getting is put container next to where watering. Can usually get more information from your local university extension office.
Information I have says to fertilize with 6-6-6 slow release fertilizer every six weeks during planting season using about teaspoon of fertilizer per plant. Just sprinkle around it but not on leaves and can scratch it in the soil a bit with garden tool of your choice.
Suggest that you don't worry so much about details that you take all the joy of planting and growing. Everybody has slightly different idea of best way to do it.
As long as you do the general things most of time will still have good results. Occasionally mother nature doesn't cooperate at all and no matter what do plants turn out less than spectacular.
Hope you enjoy your gardening experiences as much as we do!!
Happy Gardening!

My opinion on the Miracle Gro is same as Andy's. I have used it too. Much cheaper though to use the manure/compost and my opinion is are enriching soil more with that. Sometimes those do have a bit of odor but that doesn't stick around long.

You all have been MOST helpful! Thank you for being generous with your time and sharing your knowledge. :-)