WSU Extension Q&A: Time to plant spring bulbs

Q. I am seeing spring flowering bulbs for sale in garden stores and big box stores. Is now the time to plant?

A. The best time to plant spring flowering bulbs in our region is from mid-October through early November. You actually want to plant the bulbs after the soil cools down to at least 60 degrees. This tends to occur after the nighttime temperature drops below 50 degrees for two or three weeks. You should not plant them before the soil cools, but once it does, you will want to get them planted before the soil freezes and provide time for the roots to grow. Once they are planted, be sure to water them to settle the soil and to provide moisture.

Q. Who are some famous people that have a 4-H background?

A. Faith Hill, Pat Nixon, Jim Davis (the creator of Garfield), Al Gore, Johnny Carson, Dolly Parton and Johnny Cash, just to name a few.

Q. Should farmers spend time and money on professional development?

A. Producers are sometimes reluctant to spend time and money on improving their understanding of crop production, marketing or other business skills. Yes, it is critical in the competitive world that we live in that you upgrade your skills. Make a plan on what conferences or other activities to attend, and think what you might apply to your farm from these activities.

Often learning one tip from a meeting will pay for the conference expense. Also, you may be able to deduct travel and registration expenses from taxes.

The first major forage event this winter is called the Western Alfalfa and Forage Symposium — Producing Forages in a Water Challenged World and is planned Dec. 2-4 in Reno, Nev. If you are interested in updating your irrigation skills, they are having a one-day event on irrigation management. To get more information, go to calhay.org/symposium. Another meeting is the Northwest Hay Expo planned Jan. 20-21 in Kennewick.

This story was originally published October 25, 2015 at 2:33 AM with the headline "WSU Extension Q&A: Time to plant spring bulbs."