Planting and Caring for Bulbs

The video tutorial covers the horticulturists' work at the Smithsonian, focusing on designing annual displays. Janet, a horticulturist, prepares the Ripley Garden for spring by removing tropical plants and using a roto tiller to ready the soil for tulip bulbs. She demonstrates an informal bulb planting technique by scattering bulbs randomly, mimicking nature. The video also provides guidelines on planting depths for hardy and tender bulbs, ensuring their survival through winter.

What is the primary focus of the horticulturists at the Smithsonian?

• Building greenhouses

• Growing vegetables

• Designing annual displays

• Creating water features

What combination of plants does the Ripley Garden use?

• Only annual plants

• Tropical plants only

• Only perennial plants

• A mix of annual and perennial plants

Why does Janet use a roto tiller in the garden?

• To plant seeds

• To remove weeds

• To break up and aerate the soil

• To water the plants

What is Janet's technique for planting bulbs?

• Planting in circular patterns

• Using a planting machine

• Scattering bulbs randomly

• Planting in straight rows

What factor determines how deep to plant a bulb?

• Whether the bulb is hardy or tender

• The time of year

• The size of the garden

• The color of the bulb

What is the general rule for planting hardy bulbs like tulips?

• Plant them at the surface

• Plant them at a depth of 2 and 1/2 to three times their length

• Plant them in pots

• Plant them in shaded areas

Why might a gardener choose to plant bulbs at shallower depths?

• To make them grow faster

• To replace them before winter

• To prevent them from blooming

• To save space

What is a consideration for planting tulips to ensure they overwinter well?

• Planting them in full sun

• Planting them very deeply

• Watering them daily

• Using fertilizer

How many tulip bulbs does Janet plan to plant in the garden bed?

• 100

• 200

• 400

• 300

How long does it take Janet to plant 400 tulip bulbs?

• 30 minutes

• 20 minutes

• 15 minutes

• 10 minutes