Fall Bulbs = Spring Flowers!

Although summer is coming to an end, there is still work to be done in the garden. A few hours spent planting bulbs this fall will ensure brilliant display of flowers come spring. The best time to plant fall bulbs is after the first few frosts of the season and at least six weeks before the ground completely freezes.

To get started, visit a reputable nursery or garden center. A quality garden center will have the best selection of high quality bulbs that are well suited for your climate. Look for large bulbs without signs of rot or mold.

If you live near wildlife, be sure to choose deer and rabbit resistant varieties. Daffodil, allium and hyacinth are popular deer resistant flowers. Tulips, pansies and lilies should be avoided in areas with resident deer.

The next big decision is where to plant your bulbs. Bulbs generally prefer well-drained soil and lots of sunlight. Bulbs will rot if water pools around them for an extended period of time. Bulb flowers create brilliant borders. They also look stunning when planted in clusters that bring vibrant pops of color to your existing garden.

Gather all of your bulbs and organize them by size they will be when full grown. Place taller plants toward the back of the garden and smaller plants up front, so all of your flowers will be showcased. If you are planting a border garden, place the tallest flowers in the middle row and shorter flowers on either side, so the border will look spectacular from both sides.

Before planting, work a little bit of compost into your soil to give it extra nutrients. Read each bulb package to determine the ideal depth to plant the bulb. If you don’t have specific instructions, a general rule of thumb is to plant a bulb at a depth of two to three times its size. So, a two-inch bulb should be planted four to six inches deep. Gently lay the bulb in the hole with the pointy side facing up. If there are roots, they should be placed facing down. Cover with dirt and water thoroughly.

Once your bulbs are planted you can protect them from weeds and pests with a couple inches of mulch. Don’t pack the mulch down firmly, simply spread it on top so the plants can push through easily in the spring.

If you don’t have the space for a garden, bulbs can also be planted in containers and kept in a cool garage until spring.