THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT 
              Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: Sunday, November 26, 1995              TAG: 9511230152
SECTION: HOME                     PAGE: G1   EDITION: FINAL 
COLUMN: REMINDERS
SOURCE: ROBERT STIFFLER
                                             LENGTH: Short :   41 lines

BULBS FARE BETTER IF YOU GET THEM IN THE GROUND

TWO WEEKS AGO was bulb-planting time at our house, and it should now be at yours. I've always believed that a bulb in the ground is much better off than one waiting to be planted.

Recent recommendations say not to plant tulips until December, but I start Oct. 15 and never have had trouble with tulip foliage coming up early and getting damaged by cold weather.

Once bulbs are planted, they make choice food for squirrels, voles and raccoons. Daffodils are poisonous, so varmints won't bother them, but you may want to take steps to protect other bulbs. There are plastic baskets for planting bulbs that are available in garden centers or by mail.

Last fall I planted tulips with gravel around them. That seemed to keep voles away, but it's a lot of bother. This year I'm planting a piece of Ramik with every tulip bulb. Ramik, available in garden centers, is recommended by Brent Heath of the Daffodil Mart. It's attractive but poisonous to voles, so it should protect the bulb. You can plant bulbs up to Jan. 15, but it's wise to finish by Dec. 15. RECYCLE THOSE ASHES

As you start accumulating ashes in your fireplace, remember that they are good for your garden. Ashes contain lots of potash and some trace elements. Never put coal ashes on a garden but do spread wood ashes across it. ILLUSTRATION: Color photo

Netherlands Flowerbulb Information Center

Through Dec. 15 is the time to plant bulbs. The ``Rosario'' Triumph

tulip is a popular pastel.

by CNB