How to Grow Bulbs in Crates

Locate a suitable crate for planting. It should be about 15 to 25 inches wide and at least 8 to 10 inches deep.

Place the crate on a worktable or other sturdy, even surface. Open up three to four sheets of newspaper and place the paper inside the crate so that the bottom is covered and the newspaper rises up the sides of the crate.

Trim off the excess newspaper along the top edge of the crate using scissors. If desired, you may also simply fold the top edges back down into the crate so the newspaper is not visible.

Place 2 to 3 inches of potting soil in the bottom of the crate and smooth out the top using your hands until it is level.

Insert the flower bulbs into the top of the soil, with the pointed end facing upward. Space the bulbs so that there is at least one-half to one inch of space between them. Depending on the size of the crate, you can plant up to 60 bulbs per crate.

Place an additional 6 to 8 inches of soil over the bulbs and smooth the top out using your hands, but do not pack it down tightly. If you are planting tulips, add soil only to the top of the bulbs with the tip remaining exposed.

Water the top of the soil until it is completely damp and water starts to drip out of the bottom. Rewater when the top of the soil is barely dry. Do not allow the soil to remain soggy, since the bulbs can rot before they sprout.

Place the crate in a location that receives full sunlight, which is required for bulbs. Maintain temperatures according to the specific flower type, typically between 40 and 55 degrees Fahrenheit.