I had the privilege of teaching a group of homeschool kids about planting flower bulbs. The group of kids is called The Chosen Explorers. This group focuses on nature and Jesus. These are two very important things for children to hold close in their hearts and learn about from a young age. Parents, grandparents, and of course the children all attended at one of the parents’ houses, which is where we planted the flower bulbs. Learn more about what the homeschool flower planting event entailed and what the kids and parents learned about planting.
Homeschool Flower Bulb Planting Day
First, I introduced myself and my background in horticulture and selling plants for Holland Bulb Farms.
Each family received an informational planting brochure with instructions for planting fall and spring flower bulbs. They also received a take-home fill-in-the-blank sheet with the most essential information about flower bulbs.
If you want to teach your children or grandchildren about flower bulb planting, here are the 10 tips:
10 Quick Flower Bulb Facts
- A flower bulb is an underground storage organ that preserves energy for the bulb’s growth and blooms.
- Flower bulbs come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and forms. Here are some different types of bulbs: true bulbs, tubers, corms, and rhizomes.
- Bulbs that are planted in the fall bloom in the spring.
- Flower bulbs need a period of rest, called dormancy, in order to grow and produce a flower bud.
- Bulbs that are planted in the spring bloom in the fall.
- Fall-planted flower bulbs need cold temperatures in order to produce a flower bud.
- The country of the Netherlands (also called Holland) is the largest grower and exporter of flower bulbs in the world.
- As long as the ground is not frozen in the fall and early winter, flower bulbs can be planted.
- The pointed end of the bulb should be planted facing up. Sometimes it’s hard to tell—plant them on their side, and the bulbs will reach for the light and straighten themselves out.
- Bulbs do not like wet feet. The soil they are planted in needs to drain well, as they do not like sitting in overly wet soil.
If you would like a fill-in-the-blank copy of these 10 tips, please email me jenny@bulbblog.com, and I will send you a printable copy.
The Excitement of Planting Flower Bulbs
The highlight of the day was when the children gathered around the planting area. Their eyes gleamed with excitement to watch me dig and demonstrate planting flower bulbs. Their little hands wanted to help dig in the dirt and make sure the daffodils were planted correctly. Once I showed them how to plant, each family got 5 daffodil bulbs and found a place at the homeowner’s property to plant.
When they were done planting, we all spent a little more time hanging out in nature; it was refreshing. The kids of all ages and parents had a delightful time. We had enough flower bulbs that every family was able to take a few flower bulbs home.
Spring will be a delight when the families can see the rewards of our fall planting day. Hopefully, this helps to spark a lifelong love of flowers, gardening, and nature.
