The Genius Kitchen Hack That Makes Planting Hundreds of Bulbs a Breeze
Every gardener knows the struggle of wanting a lush, professional-looking spring garden but dreading the back-breaking work of digging hundreds of individual holes. Achieving that dense “carpet of color” look usually requires planting bulbs in mass quantities, which can take all afternoon with a traditional trowel. However, there is a brilliant trick using a common item from your recycling bin that acts as a perfect spacer and planter all in one.
Prepare the Bed Instead of the Hole
The secret to mass planting is to stop thinking about individual bulbs. Instead of using a bulb planter to dig fifty separate holes, dig out one large rectangular area or trench. excavate the soil to the proper planting depth, which is generally about three times the height of the bulb you are planting. Create a flat surface at the bottom of your trench so you have a blank canvas to work with.
The Cardboard Carton Method
Take standard twelve-count cardboard egg cartons and lay them side-by-side directly on the soil in your dug-out bed. These cartons serve as an instant grid system. Place one bulb into each egg cup with the pointy end facing up. This automatically spaces your plants perfectly without you having to measure an inch. It keeps the bulbs upright and prevents them from tipping over when you backfill the dirt.
Choosing the Right Materials
It is absolutely critical that you use paper pulp or cardboard egg cartons for this project. Never use Styrofoam or plastic, as those will not break down and will block root growth. The cardboard needs to decompose into the soil. To ensure your bulbs have the easiest time rooting, you can gently tear or cut a small slit in the bottom of each egg cup before placing the carton in the ground. This allows the roots to hit the soil immediately while the cardboard softens and composts around them.
Best Bulbs for This Technique
This hack is ideal for small to medium-sized spring bloomers that fit comfortably in the cup. Tulips and Daffodils are the most popular choices and look stunning when planted in these dense blocks. It is also a lifesaver for smaller, tedious bulbs like Crocus, Grape Hyacinth (Muscari), or Scilla. These tiny bulbs are often difficult to space evenly by hand, but the carton manages them perfectly. Avoid using this for massive bulbs like Giant Alliums, as they require much more space than an egg cup provides.
Finishing the Job
Once your cartons are lined up and filled with bulbs, simply shovel the excavated soil back over the top of the entire setup. You generally want about four to six inches of soil covering the tips of the bulbs. Water the area deeply immediately after planting. The moisture is vital not just for the bulbs, but to accelerate the breakdown of the cardboard. By spring, the cartons will have disintegrated, leaving you with a perfectly organized, vibrant display of flowers.
