Bulbs

Planting bulbs is such a fun way to add some color to beds, borders and containers. By choosing bulbs that bloom at different times and mixing them up right, you can even ensure something blooming all the way through from late winter time to early fall.

There is nothing like pouring over bulb catalogs and placing some fun orders to get ready for winter and look forward to the growing season ahead.

Below are some of the most important things to keep in mind when planting your bulbs.

Gardening: Bulbs - a guide:

  • Pick Quality Bulbs.

    Make sure you use firm and plump bulbs, avoiding any mushy ones with signs of mold.

  • Pick A Good Spot.

    Most bulbs grow best in full sun, which means at least 6 hours a day of direct sun, and they like well drained soil.

  • Timely Planting.

    Spring-blooming bulbs such as daffodils and tulips should be planted when the soil temperatures have cooled, from October and as late as December, as long as the ground is not frozen. Summer-blooming beauties such as gladiolus and dahlia are best planted in the spring after all danger of frost has passed.

  • Digging & Depth.

    Plant in layer by digging up an entire small or large area of soil to the correct depth, or by digging individual holes for each bulb.

    How deep? - A good rule of thumb is to plant each bulb two to three times deep as they are tall.

  • Plant & Protect.

    Make sure to place the bulb’s pointy side up.

    Critters like squirrels that love digging up newly planted bulbs, so a layer of chicken wire laid over the soil will protect them, with a thin layer of mulch to cover.

  • Water.

    Giving the bulbs a good drink once they get in the soil will encourage them to send roots.

Order early and mark the spot.

There are a lot of fun common bulb varieties available at garden centers and hardware stores, but some online sources can provide even more special types. - The trick is to order early enough, as the most interesting ones always sell out fast! If you missed out on some really cool bulbs this year, it is not too late to start planning for next year ;)

After getting the bulbs in the ground, it can be a good idea to mark the spot where the bulbs were planted, to not accidentally dig them up in the spring, and to note what to do differently the next year if anything.