Expert Gardening Tips: Separating Colchicum Bulbs and Attracting Birds

Gardeners often seek advice on how to best care for their plants, and Colchicum bulbs are no exception. These bulbs, commonly referred to as autumn crocus or naked ladies, are celebrated for their striking purple blooms that appear in September and October. While they are a bit pricier than other bulbs, their unique beauty makes them a worthy investment for garden enthusiasts.

For those wondering when to separate Colchicum bulbs, the best time is after they have finished blooming. According to gardening expert Gerald Filipski, it is essential to carefully dig out the entire clump of bulbs and gently separate the individual bulbs and bulblets. This not only encourages healthy growth but also helps maintain the bulb’s vitality for future seasons.

Creating Bird-Friendly Environments

In another gardening query, a reader expressed concern about attracting birds to their sunflower garden. Despite the sunflowers being ripe and ready for consumption, the birds seemed uninterested, potentially due to the flower heads facing downwards. Filipski suggested a simple solution: cut the heads off the sunflowers and place them face up on a fence or elevated surface. This method not only makes the flowers more accessible to birds but also helps deter cats that might otherwise threaten them.

Managing Plant Diseases in the Garden

Addressing concerns about late blight, a reader shared their experience with infected tomato and potato plants. After disposing of the affected plants, they sought advice on how to prevent the disease from persisting in the soil. According to the Alberta Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, the late blight pathogen does not survive well over winter. It primarily survives on infected potatoes left underground or stored indoors. Therefore, it is crucial to clean up any remaining plant debris. Filipski emphasized the importance of avoiding composting rotten tomatoes during the warmer months, as they can lead to future infections in home gardens.

Overall, these gardening tips highlight the importance of proper plant care and environment management. Whether separating Colchicum bulbs, attracting birds, or combating late blight, taking informed steps can significantly enhance a garden’s health and beauty.

Readers can find more gardening advice in the weekly column “Growing Things Outdoors,” available at edmontonjournal.com. For further inquiries, Filipski encourages readers to reach out via email or follow him on X (Twitter) for additional tips and updates.