When the garden beds are resting, container gardening keeps the joy of planting alive. In a recent video on her Flock Finger Lakes channel, Summer Rayne Oakes shows how she extends the season by layering spring-flowering bulbs in containers, tucked inside her chicken and duck run. Using Espoma Organic Potting Mix and Espoma Organic Perlite, Summer creates a well-draining, root-friendly environment that helps bulbs overwinter successfully and burst into bloom come spring.

Summer’s Top 3 Tips for Planting Bulbs in Containers

1. Start with a High-Quality, Well-Draining Soil Mix

Healthy bulbs begin with the right foundation. Summer uses Espoma Organic Potting Mix as her base because it’s lightweight, rich in organic matter, and formulated specifically for container gardening. It holds just the right amount of moisture while still allowing excess water to drain away—critical for preventing bulb rot during winter storage.

To further improve drainage, she blends in Espoma Organic Perlite, which keeps the soil loose and airy. This extra oxygen around the bulbs encourages strong root development and helps containers handle fluctuating winter and spring conditions.

2. Layer Bulbs

One of Summer’s favorite techniques is layering bulbs by size and bloom time. Larger, later-blooming bulbs like tulips and daffodils go deeper in the pot, while smaller, early bloomers like snowdrops are placed closer to the surface. This creates a succession of blooms from early to late spring—all in one container.

Planting bulbs a bit closer together in containers also creates a fuller, more impactful display, making pots look lush when they come into flower.

3. Protect Containers While Letting Them Chill

Bulbs need a cold period to bloom, and Summer’s chicken and duck run doubles as a cold greenhouse thanks to added panels. Containers stay protected from harsh weather while still experiencing natural temperature changes. A light soil topper can also help discourage curious critters from digging, especially when overwintering bulbs in shared garden spaces.

Let’s Get Growing

Layering bulbs in containers is a simple, rewarding way to extend the gardening season and enjoy months of spring color. With Espoma Organic Potting Mix and Espoma Organic Perlite, you’re giving bulbs the well-draining, nutrient-rich environment they need to thrive—naturally.

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