Planting Fall Bulbs

Photo credit: pburka/Visual Hunt

Now is the time to begin planting spring bulbs for bloom next spring. Bulbs like daffodils, tulips, etc. (see the list below) can be planted now through December.

Begin by selecting healthy bulbs. Look for large, plumb bulbs if possible and gently squeeze them to ensure that they are firm.

Prepare the planting area by digging down to about 1′ deep. Generously ammend the soil with compost or any organic matter. Bone meal or bulb fertilizer can also be added to the planting mix. A high phosphorus fertilizer such as phosphate is recommended. Drainage is important so do not plant bulbs where water stands for long periods of time.

Bulbs should be planted with their pointy sides facing upwards. Position them 2 or 3 inches apart. The planting depth depends on the type of bulb but generally, three times the height of the bulb is good. For good measure, spread a layer of compost over the planting area after you have refilled the soil. Over the winter, the nutrients from the compost will work its way down into the ground.

Bulbs can be used in a variety of ways in the garden. They can be massed together in drifts or planted along walkways and driveways. For best results, always plant at least 5-6 or more bulbs together. One lone bulb isolated by itself will not make a good showing.

Although very easy to grow, there can one majot problem – critters! Squirrels, voles, gophers, deer, etc. love to eat bulbs. To deter them, consider planting your bulbs in cages or, if you don’t mind the appearance, just place a sheet of mesh wire on top of the ground.

Bulbs to plant (now through October):

• Allium
• Anemone
• Crocus
• Daffodil
• Fritillaria
• Glory of the Snow
• Grape Hyacinth
• Hyacinth
• Scilla
• Snowdrops
• Spanish Bluebell
• Tulip

PLANTING BULBS IN CONTAINERS

To grow bulbs in containers, choose a large pot (any type) with drainage holes. Use a quality potting soil mix (we recommend Edna’s Best or the Yard N’ Garden planting mix). There is no need to add fertilizer if the planting mix already has nutrients included. Plant bulbs at the same depth as recommended on the package. Unlike planting in the ground, place bulbs as close together as possible (touching each other is fine). If critters are a concern, place a wire mesh or grid over the top of the pot. Water well at planting time and only sparingly during the winter months (a light watering once per month is fine). Place the pot in a sheltered place away from freezing temperatures in order to avoid damaging the pot.  Next spring, when the danger of frost is over, move the pot to the desired location. Begin to water regularly after growth beings to appear. You can add more plants, such as annuals, to the pot – just be sure not to dig deep enough to disrupt the bulbs.

Look for bulbs at Yard N’ Garden Land near the registers in the gift shop and in the greenhouse. If you are not yet ready to get them in the ground, store them in a mesh bag in a cool, dry place.