WSU Extension Q&A: Spring bulbs coming up too early
Q. What can I do to protect my bulbs? They are coming up and it seems much too early. I am afraid they will be hurt by cold weather.
A. As long as there isn’t a sudden cold snap that drops our temperatures to extreme lows, they will generally be fine. They are responding to the warmer soil temperatures now that the worst of winter is hopefully behind us. They will acclimate themselves to colder temperatures by making physiologically changes within their cells. Freezing weather could damage some of the leaf tips, but generally the flowers will not be injured because the flower buds are probably still below the soil. However, early flowering daffodil and tulip flower buds may be close to or above the soil surface and could be hurt by severely cold temperatures, so a mulch of pine needles or straw may help protect them.
Of course, spring-like late winter weather is often the cause of early sprouting of spring flower bulbs. However, not planting bulbs deep enough (the rule of thumb is to plant them at a depth three times the height of the bulb), or planting them too early in the fall before the soil cools down, can also lead to early sprouting and make the bulbs more vulnerable to damage from cold temperatures.
Q. What does it cost for a child to join a 4-H club?
A. There is a small $1 fee per child or $2 per horse project member. If the youth member is unable to pay it, we are able to assist. In addition, some projects may require a small investment to get started, and there might be charges for materials or special trips. 4-H project books, curriculum and guides can also be bought.
Q. I planted cantaloupe and cucumbers near each other in my garden last year. My cantaloupe tasted funny. Did they cross-pollinate with my cucumbers?
A. No, cantaloupe and cucumbers are in the same plant family, but are different species, and therefore, will not cross pollinate. Plants of the same species but different cultivars can cross pollinate. For example, squash can cross pollinate with pumpkin; however, the results will not be observed in fruit during the year of the cross, but can be seen in subsequent crops if the seed of the cross is used.
Questions should be called in to the WSU Extension offices in Kennewick at 735-3551 or Pasco at 545-3511.
This story was originally published January 30, 2016 at 11:06 PM with the headline "WSU Extension Q&A: Spring bulbs coming up too early."