Digging Up Bulbs for Replanting

by KYW's Phran Novelli

When you go out to plant something new you may find yourself digging up something old, such as spring blooming bulbs.   It’s not a problem, you can replant the bulbs elsewhere, or next to what you’re planting now, and it gives you a chance to divide old bulbs. 

Most people divide them after they finish blooming in the spring because that’s when you can locate them by their leaves; but when you come upon a patch of daffodils or tulips now, it’s a good chance to make more of them because you’ll likely find that they’ve multiplied. 

You’ll often find twin bulbs connected at the base that are easy to break or cut apart; or a big bulb with tiny bulblets around the bottom. 

They can all be replanted – the bulblets may not bloom next spring, but by separating them now they get a chance to grow, and in a year or two, you’ll have a new patch of daffodils or tulips in another part of your garden without spending a dime.