Will rotting bulbs contaminate the soil? - Ask Extension
We planted many bulbs (200actually) last fall and non of them sprouted. They are now rotting in the plot. Is the soil toxic in any way or is it safe...
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Will rotting bulbs contaminate the soil? #932586
Asked May 22, 2026, 11:23 AM EDT
We planted many bulbs (200actually) last fall and non of them sprouted. They are now rotting in the plot. Is the soil toxic in any way or is it safe to use for flowers and vegetables?
Hennepin County Minnesota
Expert Response
Start with a soil test. Go to: https://soiltest.cfans.umn.edu/
On the form, enter what you want to grow, bulbs, flowers and/or vegetables.
Are the bulbs still in the soil or is it possible that squirrels dug them up last fall and ate them. They won't eat daffodils but will dig them up and leave them on the surface. They will eat Tulips. How is the drainage in that area? Were the bulbs planted 6 to 8 inches deep, measured from the bottom of the hole where the bulb will sit? Did you plant them with the pointed end up and any residual roots down?
See this web page also.
https://extension.umn.edu/how/planting-bulbs-tubers-and-rhizomes
Good luck.
On the form, enter what you want to grow, bulbs, flowers and/or vegetables.
Are the bulbs still in the soil or is it possible that squirrels dug them up last fall and ate them. They won't eat daffodils but will dig them up and leave them on the surface. They will eat Tulips. How is the drainage in that area? Were the bulbs planted 6 to 8 inches deep, measured from the bottom of the hole where the bulb will sit? Did you plant them with the pointed end up and any residual roots down?
See this web page also.
https://extension.umn.edu/how/planting-bulbs-tubers-and-rhizomes
Good luck.
