TIps for Planting Fall Bulbs

Tip It’s all about the bulbs

• For planting bulbs in the fall, or any season, always select bulbs that are firm and plump.

Tip Location, Location, Location

• Spring flowering bulbs need 3-4 months of cold temperatures to prepare them for blooming and should be planted in late fall for best results.
• Select a location that will receive at least 6 hours of sunlight each day.
• Flower bulbs do best in loose soil that drains well. 

Tip Prepare for the Bulbs

• Prepare the flower bed by digging down 6 inches and and creating a 50-50 mix of  soil and  compost to re-fill bed.
• Dig a hole in prepared soil 3-4 deep. 

Tip Points Up!

• Place one bulb per hole, pointy side up. If bulb does not have a pointy end, don’t fret, most bulbs will right themselves if planted upside down.
• Cover bulbs with soil. Water thoroughly.

Tip Don’t Feed Until Spring

• Do not fertilize your planted bulbs until spring.

Tip Prevention is Key

• To prevent the bulbs from heaving (bulbs being pushed up and out of the soil by the freezing and thawing of the soil), add a thick layer of mulch on top of the soil. Straw, pine needles, or leaves will help keep the soil a constant temperature and prevent heaving.
• To prevent squirrels from digging up flower bulbs, lay a piece of chicken wire on top of the soil before adding mulch. Spring flowers can grow up through the chicken wire, but squirrels can’t dig down through it. (Those pesky intruders will be thwarted!)     

For the full list of tips, and how to use bulbs in containers and as gifts, follow the link to my full post!