(1) What is the cost of the Protecta-Bulb Cage™ relative to the cost of the bulbs planted in them?
It will depend on the type, quality, size and especially the density (number) of bulbs planted in each cage. For example, using average pricing for a regular ‘across the board’ selection of Tulips (Excluding top of the line bulbs) with a cost range of $1.00 to $1.25 per bulb, and using (as a guideline) the density illustrated in the Mt. Top Landscapes “Suggested Bulb Layouts and Instructions” herein the ‘LBC-1’ cage will probably run 10 to 20%, plus or minus, the cost of the bulbs placed therein. The LBC-2 cage will probably run 25 to 50% less than the cost of the bulbs placed therein. Small Bulb Cages For the most part, take smaller bulbs. Depending on the size, quality, type and density of bulbs planted within them they will run from 20 to 30% - plus or minus the cost of the bulbs to be planted therein.
Back to Top(2)How long will the cage/bulb-type MARKER ID TABS last?
These tabs (for the top of the marker) will, under normal conditions, last several years before U.V. degradation. The tabs are made with U.V. protection ‘built-in,” but in full sunlight, over the years they will degrade a little each year. However, both the colored ˝” diameter “dot” tab label and the 9/16” diameter (clear) bulb type lettered top labels (that go on top of the colored tabs) can be easily replaced as needed by purchasing the replacements from Mt. Top Landscapes, LLC. at nominal cost.
Back to Top(3) If rodents attempt to get at the bulbs by digging into the ground around the cage, will these diggings adversely affect the bulbs in the cage?
NO! Rodents are not interested in the roots that extend out of the cage at either the sides or the bottom, nor the foliage of the bulbs. They are after the bulb itself! However, when you observe such digging around or adjacent, to the cage, you should ‘fill in’ such ‘dig’ holes with top soil to prevent any exposed bulb roots extending outside the cage from drying out.
Back to Top(4) In multi-type bulb cage plantings, some early blooming bulb foliage will start dying off (i.e.-turn yellow or brown) while later blooming flowers and foliage are still thriving. Can the dead foliage be cut out without causing any problem for the remaining bulb foliage and flowers?
YES! In effect, you simply selectively ‘prune’ out the dead foliage as you would in your gardens.
Back to Top(5) How long will the Protecta-Bulb Cage™ Last?
We have cages working in the ground for 4 years that upon current examination are 100% functional today. We fully expect them to remain effective for at least the next eight (8) to ten (10) years!
Back to Top(6) Why are there only 2 cage/bulb markers for small cages but 4 cage/bulb markers for the LBC-2 cages?
The concept for marking the location of the Protecta-Bulb Cage™ in the flower garden bed is to:
A. Prevent digging damage to the cage and its contents when you are planting other annual/perennial plants around the cages in your garden when all foliage is gone, and you cannot be sure exactly where your Protecta-Bulb Cage™ is located in the garden.
B. To remind you in the summer and fall what bulb types and colors you planted in the cage. In the case of cages of 7.5” or less in width, two cage/bulb markers (one set inside the middle of each end of the cage) is generally sufficient since the cage will not extend out more than 3.75 inches from a median line drawn between the two markers. With the use of the ‘LBC-2” cage-series where the length and width is almost 13”- the extension from a center median line is 6.5”. Four (4) cage/bulb markers placed in each corner- will provide a clear outline of cage dimensions and location in the garden when all foliage has died down.
An added benefit is that using additional markers provides increased ability to designate type and color of mixed bulb arrangements. Be sure to order additional markers and tabs.
Back to Top(7) What about bulb spacing in the cages?
Generally, the same rules apply to bulbs planted in Protecta-Bulb Cage™ as when planted in garden beds.
OBSERVATION: Close planting of bulbs will give a ‘tighter’ bloom/color effect than wider spacing of bulbs. However, when planting bulbs in Protecta-Bulb Cages™ three (3) considerations are important in planning bulb spacing in the cage.
1. Do the bulbs naturalize? Naturalizing bulbs generally develop new ‘split off’ bulbs that will need space to develop. This will dictate - at the very least - the spacing between bulbs as well as between the bulbs and the sides of the cage be at least as much as the diameter of the planted bulbs.
2. The size of the bulb blooms - tulips and hyacinths, for example - generally have blooms from 1 ˝ to 2.5 times the diameter of their bulbs. Crowding the bulbs too tightly would cause blooms to be clustered too - close thereby detracting from their beauty.
3. The size and density of the bulb foliage - For example: Tulip foliage requires much more space for its foliage than is required for most other bulb types. Planting too close together will detract from their development.
Note: Tulips and large hyacinths do not generally ‘naturalize’. Thus, this becomes a factor to consider. Crocus, muscari, grape hyacinths, scilla, etc. will naturalize and spread, so plan accordingly. Remember, when planting in Protecta-Bulb Cages™, naturalizing bulbs will need space between the cage sides and the bulbs in addition to spacing between the bulbs.
Back to Top(8) How high should the top of the cage/bulb makers rise above the Protecta-Bulb Cages™?
The top of the cage/bulb markers should be set 4” above the top of the cage—which should be set in the garden bed such that the top (of the cage) is 1” below surrounding soil level. This allows the top of the cage/markers to appear 3” above surrounding ground level and 1 ˝” above any ground cover mulching.
Back to Top(9) Why is it necessary to dig and condition the soil 2” below the base of the cage?
The Protecta-Bulb Cage™ is designed to protect the bulbs from rodents for many years. The cage design allows the bulb roots to penetrate through the cage bottom and lower part of the sides of the cage to obtain nutrients. The soil under and around the cage should be enriched and well fertilized soil. Loosening the soil under the cage – (and along side the cage sides) from a “hard pack” state enhances bulb development.
Back to Top(10) If I want to cluster cages (group) or run them in a row, what spacing should I allow between cages?
1 to 1.5” minimum spacing.
DETAILED INSTRUCTIONS AND SUGGESTED LAYOUTS ARE INCLUDED WITH EACH PACKAGE ORDER.
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