Welcome to Fall Bulb Planting Season!

As the crisp autumn air settles in and the leaves begin to turn, it’s the perfect time to start thinking about the bursts of color that will greet you come spring. Fall is the ideal season for planting bulbs, ensuring a vibrant and lively garden when the warmer months return. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a beginner looking to dig in, we’ve got you covered with tips, tricks, and our favorite bulbs to plant this fall.

Why Plant Bulbs in the Fall?

Planting bulbs in the fall allows them to establish strong roots during the winter months. When spring arrives, they’ll be ready to burst forth with beautiful blooms. Plus, fall planting gives you something to look forward to during the colder, darker days of winter. Let’s dive into the steps to prepare your garden and highlight some top bulb picks for a stunning spring display.

 

Preparing Your Garden for Bulbs

1. Choose the Right Location

• Sunlight: Most bulbs prefer full sun to partial shade. Select a spot that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight daily.
• Drainage: Ensure your planting site has well-drained soil to prevent bulbs from rotting. Avoid low-lying areas where water tends to collect.

2. Test and Amend the Soil

• Soil Testing: Test your soil to determine its pH and nutrient levels. Bulbs generally thrive in slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH 6.0-7.0).
• Amendments: Improve soil structure by adding organic matter like compost or well-rotted manure, enhancing drainage and fertility.

3. Clear the Area

• Weeding: Remove any weeds or grass from the planting area to reduce competition for nutrients and water.
• Debris: Clear away rocks, sticks, and other debris for a clean planting bed.

4. Loosen the Soil

• Tilling: Loosen the soil to a depth of 12-15 inches using a garden fork or tiller. This helps bulbs establish their roots more easily.
• Aeration: Breaking up compacted soil allows for better air circulation, root growth, and water infiltration.

5. Incorporate Fertilizer

• Vital Nutrient Boost:Apply our all-purpose fertilizer monthly before temperatures drop to help support over-all growth.
  
• Superfood Planting Pods: These handy little pods are perfect for planting bulbs due to their added bone and feather meal which adds phosphorous for root growth. We recommend breaking them open when planting many small bulbs and adding a bit to each hole when planting.

6. Plan Your Layout

• Design: Plan your planting layout, considering bloom times, heights, and color schemes. Group bulbs in clusters or drifts for a more natural and visually appealing effect.
• Spacing: Follow the recommended spacing for each type of bulb to ensure they have enough room to grow.

7. Digging Holes

• Depth: Dig holes or trenches to the appropriate depth for each type of bulb, usually 2-3 times the height of the bulb.
• Orientation: Place bulbs in the holes with the pointed end facing up. If you’re unsure, planting them on their sides is a safe option.

8. Covering and Watering

• Backfill: Cover the bulbs with soil, gently firming it down to remove air pockets.
• Watering: Water thoroughly after planting to help bulbs settle in. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.

9. Mulching

• Insulation: Apply a layer of mulch to help retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and suppress weeds.
• Protection: In colder climates, a thicker layer of mulch can protect bulbs from freezing temperatures during winter.

10. Marking the Area

• Labels: Mark the planted area with labels or stakes to remember where and what you planted. This is especially useful when planting multiple types of bulbs.

Our Seeds, Starts and Transplants Success Kit has everything you'll need for a successful bulb planting including Fertile garden Formula and Superfood Planting Pods which can be applied when planting. Black Magic Biochar which can be mixed into soil when digging to increase the aeration. The copper stakes will also come in handy for labeling the beds after planting.

 

 

Our Top 5 Bulbs to Plant This Fall

1. Daffodils (Narcissus)

Daffodils are a spring garden staple with their cheerful yellow blooms and trumpet-shaped flowers. They are easy to grow and naturalize well, spreading year after year to create a vibrant display.

 

Tulips

Tulips come in a dazzling array of colors and shapes, making them a must-have for any spring garden. Planting a mix of early, mid, and late-season tulips will ensure a continuous show of blooms from early to late spring.

 

Crocuses

Crocuses are among the first flowers to bloom in spring, often peeking through the last of the snow. Their delicate, cup-shaped flowers in shades of purple, yellow, and white are a welcome sight after a long winter.

 

Lilies

Lilies are renowned for their stunning, trumpet-shaped flowers and delightful fragrance, making them a favorite in many gardens. With a variety of colors and sizes, they add elegance and height to borders and flower beds, blooming in mid to late summer for a spectacular display.

 

Anemones

Anemones are a delightful addition to any spring garden, offering vibrant colors and delicate, poppy-like flowers. These hardy bulbs thrive in partial shade to full sun, providing a beautiful carpet of blooms in shades of pink, white, blue, and red that will brighten up your garden beds and borders.

 

Ready, Set, Plant!

Now that you’re equipped with the knowledge and inspiration, it’s time to get out in the garden and start planting those bulbs. With a bit of preparation and planning, you’ll be rewarded with a breathtaking display of flowers that herald the arrival of spring. Happy planting!