Fall is the time to plant bulbs if you desire a colorful garden this spring! Springtime can make you envy your neighbor’s landscape, with all those beautiful bulbs in bloom, but you have to know when to plant bulbs if you want a colorful garden this spring.
Planting bulbs is not as easy as just purchasing some bulbs, digging some holes, and burying them, and then sitting back and waiting for spring to arrive. From planning appropriately, planting at the right time, to knowing what to buy, here are some tips to ensure you get great looks from great bulbs.
Plan early
During those dog days of summer is the ideal time to start thinking about how and what you want to plant. This way, when the time comes, you will know just what to do, instead of rushing to plan everything. Bulbs are meant to be planted during the fall. Some garden nurseries even offer a discount for purchasing bulbs early. Be sure to ask your local nursery ahead of time whether or not they offer this discount.
Consider your climate
Not all bulbs are the same. Consider your climate when planning, especially when deciding which bulbs to purchase. If you are not sure which bulbs are ideal for your region, discuss this with your local nursery, or your landscaper if you have one. If you want blooming daffodils or tulips next spring, plant your bulbs in September or October.
Choose quality bulbs
You get what you pay for, even when it comes to your garden. When selecting bulbs to plant this fall, be sure to choose ones that are plump and firm. You will want to avoid any that are mushy or moldy. Also, size does matter when it comes to bulbs. The larger the bulb, the larger the blooms will be.
Plant smart
Healthy bulbs will not flourish if they are planted in the wrong spot. Be sure to select an area that receives six or more hours of sunlight each day. Also, make sure the soil is well drained – avoid flowerpots that retain too much water as it may saturate the bulb and cause it not to bloom. Also be sure to dig a large enough hole to plant your bulb. The general rule is to dig a hole two to three times the size of your bulb. So, if your bulb is 3-inches tall, dig a hole approximately 6 to 9 inches deep. Always refer to the planting instructions that accompany your bulb if you are not sure how large the hole should be.
Communicate
If you hire a landscaping company to take care of your gardening needs, be sure you communicate that plan you spent all summer putting together. You simply cannot expect your gardener to know what bulbs you would like planted, and in which location.
If you are still unsure where to turn, contact us at Promier Landscapes by calling (423) 872-2988. We can help take care of your planning, planting, and maintenance needs for your landscape. Promier Landscapes serves the Kingsport, Johnson City, and Bristol, Tennessee areas.