Tips on Making It Through the Last Days of Winter

Even though it's officially spring, it still feels pretty wintery here. 

To help yourself through the final chilly days, try forcing some bulbs...

I chose to mix and match with a few each of crocuses, daffodils and irises, but almost any bulb will work. 

How to:

Officially, you should buy or collect your bulbs in the fall and keep them in a cool, dark place for a few months before forcing (although in the past I've gotten bulbs and forced them straight from the store with great success).

Then, when you just can't take any more winter, bring out your bulbs and place them on a bed of stones in a glass jar or dish with the pointy end up (you can also plant them in soil or at rest them at the top of a bottle). Fill the dish with water until it just touches the bottom of the bulbs, and keep the water at this level. Place on a window sill, preferably one with a bit of direct sunlight. Soon you'll see roots creeping downward, and start to see green tips sprouting upwards. And eventually they'll flower, bringing some spring cheer to the slush!

Please note that often bulbs that have been forced won't flower again, but you can always plant them outside for the greenery.

Drop by again to see their progress- I'll post new pics as they grow.