Machine planting 

Huge time savings

Machine planting your flower bulbs offers enormous advantages, not only for the bulbs but for the surrounding residents - not to mention the residents of the beds and fields themselves, the insects. This rapid planting process minimises damage to the bulbs while limiting nuisance to surrounding residents and delays to traffic along the road. It is also minimally invasive for the soil where many insects make their homes. For over 20 years, Lubbe & Sons has used machinery to plant flower bulbs in many cities, parks and business complexes. Our services and options for machine planting flower bulb mixes have been specifically tailored to this purpose. Site visits, guidance in the design and selection of plants, and (most importantly) our aftersales service are all important aspects which come together to make this machine planting concept a unique total package.

Advantages to planting bulb mixes using a machine

There are many reasons to use our machine planting service, such as:

• Guarantees the correct planting depth
• Time saving and therefore it causes fewer traffic delays or jams
• Planting takes place according to the layout or planting design you have provided. While supervision by the client is desirable, it is not necessary
• Because it saves time, it allows the client to focus on other activities
• Reduces labour costs

Various kinds of planting machines

At Lubbe & Sons, we work with three kinds of planting machines:

1. The traditional planting machine makes it possible to plant flower bulbs under existing grass and/or in bare ground. This machine makes an incision in the turf, then lifts it up so that the bulbs can be scattered underneath. The sod layer is then neatly replaced as it was. Because the machine plants a one-metre wide swath of bulbs, the point of access to the site must be at least 1.6 metres wide. (tractor width)
2. The embankment planter can be used for projects involving planting on a slope of up to 35 degrees.
3. The side-mounted planter makes it possible to plant directly between and around trees or other obstacles, so that no space is left unplanted.

When to plant flower bulbs

Machine planting of bulbs can begin in mid-September. Depending on the weather, Lubbe & Sons may continue planting on behalf of its clients until late December.

Costs of machine planting

Since each and every client has their own specific wishes and requirements with regard to the different kinds of bulbs, density of plantings and results, it is impossible to apply standard pricing for our services. Following a thorough discussion of your needs and wants, we will (taking those wishes into account) present you with a bespoke proposal without obligation. Contact us for an individual quote.

Lifespan of bulb mixes planted using a machine

Our bulb mixes have an average minimum lifespan of six years when planted using a machine. The exact longevity will depend on aftercare and soil conditions. For proper flower development, it is important that the stems and leaves be allowed to wither naturally before the area is cut. Fertilizing occasionally using a high-potassium fertilizer helps to extend the lifespan of flower bulbs.
 
See also our tips for planting various types of flower bulbs and bulb mixes.