Garden World’s Guide to Gardening - Plant Fall Bulbs To Brighten Your Spring!

September 21st, 2024

As cooler weather arrives, it's the perfect time to plant fall bulbs! The chilly temps allow spring-blooming bulbs to undergo the essential wintering process they need for a vibrant spring display. Plus, fall's crisp air makes it much more enjoyable to spend time in the garden.

Here's Our Fall Bulb Planting Guide

Choose Wisely.

When picking out your bulbs, you want them to look as good as possible. Choose bulbs that are free from obvious physical damage, mold or mildew.

When Do You Plant?

 Plant your bulbs when soil temperatures have cooled. Late September through October are typical planting times for bulbs.

Get Digging!

There are exceptions, but here’s a good rule of thumb: dig a hole about three times deeper than the bulb is tall. So, a 3-inch bulb needs a 9″ hole. Sandy soil? Go slightly deeper. Clay soil, go slightly shallower. Choose a well-drained spot for planting that will get at least six hours of sun each day. Constantly wet, mushy ground is a good way to rot bulbs.

Point Up.

When you plant bulbs, ALWAYS do so with the point facing up.

Get Dirty!

Bulbs like well-aerated, well-drained soil rich in organic matter. If you have poor soil — too sandy or too much clay — add amendments to improve it. Be sure to add bulb fertilizer into the planting hole with the bulb, where the roots can find it. At Garden World, we recommend Espoma Organic Bulb Tone. This rich, organic, slow-feeding plant food is especially formulated to meet the nutritional needs of bulbs.

Give Them a Drink.

After covering the bulbs with rich organic soil, water well to help them become established before winter.

Prepare.

Adding a layer of mulch over the surface of the soil will help insulate and protect the bulbs against freeze and thaw conditions. If you’re worried about the shoots finding their way through it in the Spring, you can always pull back the mulch in April!

Fall bulbs are back in stock at Garden World! Plant them now to see beautiful results in the spring. Come visit us or shop online and get your bulbs started!