Using a bulb planter is a simple and efficient way to plant bulbs in your garden. Here are the steps involved in using a bulb planter:
- Choose the right bulb planter: Select a bulb planter tool that suits your needs. There are different types available, including handheld bulb planters with a long handle or a handheld trowel-like design with a circular blade.
- Prepare the soil: Before using the bulb planter, make sure the soil is prepared. Remove any weeds, rocks, or debris from the planting area. Loosen the soil using a garden fork or shovel to ensure proper drainage.
- Determine the planting depth: Each bulb variety has specific planting depth requirements. It is important to know the recommended depth for the bulbs you are planting. This information is usually provided on the packaging or nursery tag.
- Position the bulb planter: Hold the bulb planter vertically and push it into the soil, using a twisting motion if necessary. Apply firm pressure to penetrate the soil.
- Extract a plug of soil: Once the bulb planter has reached the desired planting depth, gently lift the tool while keeping it vertical. This will extract a plug of soil from the ground.
- Place the bulb: Place the bulb into the hole created by the bulb planter. Ensure that the root end of the bulb is facing downwards. The pointed end (if present) should face upwards.
- Cover the bulb: Carefully replace the extracted soil plug back into the hole, covering the bulb completely. Ensure there are no air pockets around the bulb.
- Repeat the process: Repeat the above steps to plant more bulbs, spacing them according to the recommended distance between each plant.
- Water and care for the bulbs: After planting all the bulbs, thoroughly water the area to settle the soil and provide moisture for the bulb's growth. Follow any specific care instructions for the bulb variety you have planted, such as providing adequate sunlight, fertilizing, and preventing pests or diseases.
Using a bulb planter simplifies the process of planting bulbs, allowing for accurate depth and spacing while reducing strain on your hands and back. With proper care, your bulbs will grow and beautify your garden in their respective seasons.
Best Bulb Planters of 2025
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Rating is 5 out of 5
Garden Weasel Bulb Planter 91350 - Multi-Purpose Bulb Planter Tool for Tulip Bulbs - Seed Planter Tool - Grass Plugger Tool - Weather and Rust Resistant - Carbon Steel
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MULTI-PURPOSE TOOL: Get ready for the season and easily plant spring and fall bulbs, annuals, ground cover, and vegetables. The stand and plant tool digs the perfect size hole and gives you the correct planting depth every time.
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EASY TO USE: With a long handle, there's no need to bend or stoop, reducing overall fatigue. Step on the footplate, press the blade into the ground, remove soil, add the bulbs for planting, release the dirt back into the hole and tamp down.
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POINTED BLADE: The sharp blade and pointed tip construction allow the ground digger hand tool to quickly and effortlessly enter and lift the soil out of the earth. It enables you to plant in half the time of standard spade digging.
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DURABLE CONSTRUCTION: This convenient and sturdy seedling planter is fabricated from carbon steel and is rust and water-resistant. It has a comfortable non-slip T-bar grip, weighs less than 3 lbs, comes fully assembled, and is 40" long.
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GARDEN WEASEL: Specializing in professional-grade, ergonomically designed, multi-use garden tools. Our products make gardening by hand easier than ever. Garden Weasel tools are so tough that they are backed with a lifetime limited warranty.
2
Rating is 4.9 out of 5
ProPlugger 5-in-1 Lawn and Garden Tool, Bulb Planter, Weeder or Weeding Tool, Sod Plugger, Annual Planter, Soil Test Probe
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WATCH OUR VIDEO - Click the video to see the ProPlugger in action.
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PLANT LIKE A PRO – Step, twist, pull and you’re ready to plant. Dig 2-1/8” diameter planting holes quickly, one after another, from a comfortable standing position. Soil gets stored in the tool as you work and empties by turning the tool upside down. Depth Rings (included) allow you to consistently dig perfect planting holes at 2", 4" and when no depth ring is used, even 6" deep. *Avoid digging in dry or overly saturated soil.
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MULTI-USE GARDEN TOOL – Plant your garden favorites! Spring and fall bulbs, annuals, ground covers, vegetables and more. Makes a great lawn and sod plugger (Not Recommended For St. Augustine Grass), weeding tool, soil sample tool and drip-edge fertilizing tool.
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TAKE THE PAIN OUT OF PLANTING – The ProPlugger 5-IN-1 Planting Tool allows you to work from a standing position, saving your back and knees. Comfortable, sturdy hand grips are helpful for seniors or those with mild arthritis.
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MADE IN THE USA of durable all welded carbon steel. Money Back Guarantee – 100% Customer Satisfaction
3
Rating is 4.8 out of 5
Jardineer Bulb Planter Tool - Long Handle Bulb Planter with Small Bulb Planter Set, Saw-Tooth Bulb Transplanter for Quick Dig. Durable Bulb and Garden Planter Steel Handle, Ideal Bulb Planting Tool
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【3Pcs Bulb Planter Tool】- This bulb planter set comes with long handle bulb planter, small bulb planter and dirt-proof gloves. Step and twist to pull out plugs, quickly make rows of consistant holes in 3" dia for your bulbs.
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【Saw-Tooth Blade - Easy Plug Bulb Planter】- Bulb planter tool with serrated blade, dig into soils and lawns easier to make plugs (the next plug pushes the previous plug out automatically). Powder coated steel construction of this bulb transplanter is built to last.
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【Large Foot Plate for Safety & Extra Down Force】- Long handle bulb planter with wider foot plate easily maximizes force with your body weight, brings optimal digging safety and performance. Avoid digging in dry or overly saturated soil.
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【Save Your Back in Various Bulb Planting】- This long handle bulb planter allows you to plant ALL KINDS OF BULBS and bedding plants from a comfortable standing position, such as tulips, crocus, dahlias, gladiolus, lilies and most bedding plants are easy to plant at the perfect depth.
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【Order with Confidence】- Jardineer is devoted to providing reliable product. Customer satisfaction is always our pursuit. Whatever problem you meet about this bulb planter set, please contact us, we will help you solve it.
4
Rating is 4.7 out of 5
Dewayna Bulb Planter Tool, 6 Inches Depth Mark Hand Bulb Planter, Non-Bending Stainless Steel Bulb Planter Digger, Garden Bulb Transplanter with Comfortable Grip Wooden Handle for Tulip and Daffodils
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【10 × Efficiency Saves Your Time】This bulb planter makes planting go faster than digging with a regular shovel, just push down and twist, and up comes the dirt leaving a perfect hole of whatever depth you desire. Save a lot of digging time and you can easily plant 150 bulbs in an hour more efficiently than using a hand shovel to plant 15 bulbs in an hour.
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【Easy-to-Read Measurement Markings】The English scale with 1 to 6-inch depth marks on the outside of the tulip bulb planter tool helps to maintain a consistent depth. No other tools or measuring devices were needed which make all your bulbs are planted at the right depths.
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【High-Quality Metal Resists Bending】This bulb planting tool is made of thicker stainless steel, which has strong compression and corrosion resistance and is more sturdy and durable, which means it doesn't bend when you push it into the ground. It has sharp edges on the bottom, which can easily cut through heavy soil in your garden.
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【Comfortable Grip Wooden Handle】The handle of garden tool bulb planter (made of FSC-approved wood) is designed in an ergonomic streamline, which fits the natural shape of the hand when holding and using, which helps to provide comfort and good posture when kneeling to plant small bulbs, making the gardening process more comfortable and labor-saving.
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【Lifetime Warranty】We offer a 100% lifetime warranty on all bulb planters, please feel free to contact us if you have any questions about our garden tools during use, we will provide you with a satisfactory solution within 24 hours.
5
Rating is 4.6 out of 5
Colwelt Bulb Planter Tool Long Handle, Serrated Base Gardening Bulb Transplanter with Soft Grip, Heavy Duty Long Handled Bulb Planter Sod Plugger for Digging Holes to Plant Tulips, Iris, Daffodils
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ADD CHEERY BULBS TO YOUR PLANTINGS -- yes, this bulb planter tool long handle will be the best assistant for your planting career. It digs perfect holes for tulips, crocus, dahlias, gladiolus, lilies, or any other spring flower bulbs and most bedding plants(Dig Holes: 3-1/2'' dia, Max 4-7/10'' depth). Adding cheery bulbs to your plantings will help to herald the spring!
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STEP, TWIST, PULL AND READY -- get this gardening bulb transplanter, planting job will be a piece of cake. The long handled bulb planter is easy to install within minutes, and then step, twist, pull and you are ready to plant. Dig 3-1/2” diameter planting holes quickly, one after another, from a comfortable standing position(avoid digging in dry or overly saturated soil).
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PLANT LIKE A PRO -- this sod plugger includes a serrated base which helps it penetrate the stony soil easier. The special TWO-PEDALS design makes planting job efficient. Foot Pedal helps you apply max. downward force with your body weight, bring optimal digging performance. Then step and push the Raised Pedal, the soil core will drop out automatically and easily.
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PLATING IN A STANDING POSITION -- no doubt, this bulb planter tool will take the pain out of your planting. The long handle design prevents excessive bending, allowing you to work from a standing position. Saving you time and your back! The soft T-style grip handle also provide extra comfort for you.
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ORDER WITH CONFIDENCE -- this bulb planter tool is made of powder coated steel, heavy-duty and rust-resistant, which can hold up over the years. Customer satisfaction is always our pursuit. Whatever problem you meet, you can contact us.
6
Rating is 4.5 out of 5
Altdorff 5-in-1 Lawn and Garden Tool, Updated Bulb Planter Long Handle for Digging, Weeding, Soil Sampler, Transplanting, Sod Plugger
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5-IN-1 PLANTING TOOL- The garden tool is not just a long bulb planter, it's also a 5-in-1 lawn tool. It can work as a weeder, sod plugger, grass plugger tool, hole diggers and bulb planter. You won't agonize over having to carry all your yard tools with you.
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HOW TO USE BULB PLANTER- Step, twist, pull and you’re ready to plant. Step down the middle pedal, you can control how deep want to go into the dirt. Step down the right pedal effortlessly release your soil. The 5-in-1 planting tool allows you to work from a standing position, saving your back and knees.
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IDEAL SIZE AND WIDE-USE - Our bulb planter is 39 inches tall, 11 inches wide, T-handle, and weighs 3 pounds. Quickly dig out a 3.5-inch diameter planting hole. Many bulbs can be grown in short time, and plants and flowers can be transplanted.
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HEAVY DUTY SOD OR GRASS PLUGGER - The garden tool is made of iron with powder coating on the surface. It has strong weather resistance, rust resistance, and durability. This bulb planter tool has two rows of bolts for stability. You can use this 5-in-1 lawn and garden tool anywhere in your yard.
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AFTER-SALE SERVICE: Whatever questions you have about our long hand bulb planter, please let us know. There is no limit of time or space. We will serve you until you are satisfied.
7
Rating is 4.4 out of 5
Walden Backyards Perfect Planter - Long Handle Bulb Transplanter for Planting Flowers - Heavy Duty Garden Tool for Digging & Refilling Holes
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HEAVY DUTY - The Perfect Planter is made of durable, high-quality materials and engineered to withstand frequent use. The bulb planter’s exceptional strength allows you to plant bulbs effortlessly while ensuring years of reliable performance.
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COMFORTABLE DESIGN - Our bulb transplanter is equipped with a long, comfortable handle that provides a firm and ergonomic grip. The gardening tool allows you to plant bulbs quickly and easily without bending or kneeling, saving you time and effort.
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MULTI-PURPOSE - Our versatile planter can easily plant spring and fall flower bulbs, annuals, perennials, and tree seedlings. The bulb digger cuts precise, perfectly-sized holes in both normal and moist soil that always have the correct depth and never cave in. It also functions as a sod-plugging tool!
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EASY TO USE - Our planter tool is easy to use for planting bulbs in all gardens. With a lightweight and convenient design, the Perfect Planter provides optimal control and stability during planting sessions. Conveniently hangs for effortless storage!
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TRUSTED BRAND - Walden Products is a leading supplier of backyarding accessories, and offers premium yard tools, outside fire pits, fire grates, campfire fire starters, fireplace pokers, ash scoops, and more.
8
Rating is 4.3 out of 5
Bulb Planter Garden Sod Plugger with Ergonomic Masual Handle,Heavy Duty Planting Tools for Digging Holes to Plant Spring Flowers Bulbs,Bedding Plants,Tulips,Crocus,Dahlias,Gladiolus,Lilies
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SOIL PLUG SLIDES OUT FROM SIDE: You NEEDN’T turn the tool upside down to let the soil plugs slid out and empty the planter! Our upgraded bulb planter makes perfect soil plugs drop out automatically and continuously from the side. Double the bulbs in half the time.
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NO SOIL STUCK IN: You NEEDN’T manually remove clumps of soil stuck in the tube periodically! There is no soil or dirt got stored or stuck in the tool when you dig with the closed slant design of the tube. The process you make soil or sod plugs is a process of emptying the tool.
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MULTIUSE GARDEN TOOL:Totally awesome lawn plugger, root remover, weed puller, bulb planter! This garden bulb planter tool makes perfect holes for planting bulbs and bedding spring flowers. Also ideal for transplanting lawns and weeding fields, especially when it comes to transplanting crops, it saves you more time.
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NO PAIN & NO BREAKING: With an ergonomic height of 33.5” and foam padded handle, you can work from a standing position without body hurts, back knee pains or blisters. Rust free power coated steel construction makes this bulb planter tool stands up to millions of bulbs’ planting and not breaking. NOTE: Each bulb planter enjoys 12-month warranty, replacement or refund will be arranged once we receive your message.
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EASY TO USE: Step,twist,pull and ready to plant! Dig perfect 2/4/6 inches deep holes for tulips, crocus, dahlias, gladiolus, lilies, or any other spring flower bulbs and most bedding plants with each pick.Only one person can complete large-scale planting.We recommend moistening the soil before using our planters for easier and faster digging
What are the benefits of using a bulb planter instead of traditional planting methods?
Using a bulb planter offers several benefits compared to traditional planting methods:
- Time and Effort Saving: Bulb planters are specifically designed to make the process of planting bulbs quicker and easier. They have a hollow cylindrical shape that creates a perfectly sized hole for bulbs, eliminating the need for digging individual holes with a spade or trowel.
- Consistent Hole Depth: Bulb planters ensure that the bulbs are planted at a consistent depth, which is crucial for proper growth and development. This helps in achieving an even appearance in the garden or flowerbed, as plants will emerge at a uniform height.
- Precise Placement: The design of a bulb planter allows for precise placement of bulbs. This is particularly advantageous when planting larger quantities of bulbs or when trying to create specific patterns or arrangements. It ensures that bulbs are evenly spaced and correctly positioned.
- Reduced Risk of Damage: When using a bulb planter, there is less chance of accidentally damaging bulbs during the planting process. Traditional methods such as digging with a spade or trowel can sometimes result in accidentally slicing or scraping the bulbs, which may affect their viability.
- Less Strain on the Body: Planting bulbs can be physically demanding work, especially if done on a large scale. Bulb planters help to reduce strain on the body, as they require less bending, squatting, and repetitive motion. This makes bulb planting more accessible and enjoyable for individuals with physical limitations or those seeking a more convenient gardening experience.
- Focused Soil Amendments: Bulb planters allow for more targeted soil amendments. By removing a plug of soil from the ground and then replacing it around the bulb, it becomes easier to amend the specific soil that will directly surround the bulb. This allows for the addition of nutrients or organic matter to promote healthy growth.
Overall, using a bulb planter streamlines the planting process, ensures proper depth and placement, minimizes damage to bulbs, reduces physical strain, and offers greater control over soil conditions.
How to maintain and clean a bulb planter after use?
To maintain and clean a bulb planter after use, follow these steps:
- Empty the soil: Before cleaning, gently tap the bulb planter on the ground to loosen and remove any remaining soil or plant debris. Empty the soil into a compost bin or dispose of it properly.
- Rinse with water: Use a hose or tap water to rinse off any remaining soil from the bulb planter. Pay attention to the inside and outside surfaces, as well as the handle and any crevices.
- Scrub with a brush: If there are stubborn dirt or stains, use a brush with stiff bristles to scrub the bulb planter. Make sure to clean all areas thoroughly, including the inside of the tube and the cutting edge.
- Use a mild detergent: If the bulb planter is still dirty, fill a bucket with warm water and add a small amount of mild detergent. Dip the brush into the soapy water and scrub the planter again.
- Rinse thoroughly: After scrubbing, rinse the bulb planter with clean water to remove any soap residue. Ensure there are no remaining dirt particles or detergent.
- Dry completely: Allow the bulb planter to air dry completely before storing it. Make sure there is no excess moisture, as it can cause rust or corrosion.
- Oil the cutting edge: To prevent rust, you can lightly coat the cutting edge of the bulb planter with mineral oil. This will help protect it during storage and keep it in good condition.
- Store properly: Once the bulb planter is clean and dry, store it in a clean and dry place. Keep it away from excessive moisture, direct sunlight, or extreme temperatures.
Regularly maintaining and cleaning your bulb planter will ensure its longevity and effectiveness when used for future planting projects.
What is the proper depth for planting different types of bulbs with a bulb planter?
The proper depth for planting different types of bulbs with a bulb planter may vary slightly depending on the specific type of bulb. However, as a general guideline, you can follow these recommended planting depths:
- Small bulbs such as crocuses, snowdrops, and grape hyacinths: Plant these bulbs at a depth of about 2-3 inches (5-8 cm).
- Medium-sized bulbs such as tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths: Plant these bulbs at a depth of 6-8 inches (15-20 cm).
- Large bulbs such as lilies and alliums: Plant these bulbs at a depth of about 8-10 inches (20-25 cm).
It's worth noting that these are general guidelines, and some specific bulb varieties may have slightly different recommendations. It's always best to check the packaging or specific growing instructions for the bulbs you are planting to ensure optimal depth and spacing.
