Planning to plant spring bulbs in your yard? You’re just in time!
Fall is the perfect time, when the temperatures are beginning to drop, to begin planting your favorite spring bulbs. Now you’re probably wondering why these spring-blooming bulbs should be planted during the fall season despite their name (tulips, crocuses, lilies…), and that’s because these plants need to be planted months ahead before they’re set to bloom.
During the fall season, the cold temperature helps activate root growth and flower formation, making this time the most ideal season for your favorite bulbs to be planted. You’ll need to expose the bulbs to the cold for as long as 12 to 14 weeks to make sure that it blooms well when it’s time.
Don’t plant the bulbs too early though! If you do, they may start sprouting earlier than they should and won’t last long enough to bloom during springtime.
Want more tips for when you plant your spring bulbs? Read on!
Tip # 1: Choose high-quality bulbs
If you want the best blooms during spring, you have to choose the bulbs you plant very carefully as well. Stay away from bulbs that are mushy and go for the large and plump ones. The larger the bulb, the better it would bloom in spring. You also want to check carefully for signs of mold growth in the bulbs you plant.
Tip # 2: Choose a sunny spot
Bulbs grow and bloom better when they’re not planted in the shade, so make sure to consider the amount of sun a spot gets before planting the bulbs. The more exposed the soil is to sunlight, the healthier your spring bulbs will be.
Tip # 3: Plant at the right depth
How deep is deep enough, you ask? The best way to identify the right depth at which to plant your bulbs is by measuring the length of your bulb. The right depth is generally twice the measurement you get.
Tip # 4: Plant the bulb on the right side up
When planting your bulbs, make sure that their pointy ends are facing up. If the bulb you’re planting does not seem to have a pointy end, just try and check which side has some roots coming out. That would indicate which side should be going down.
Tip # 5: Check the quality of your soil
When it comes to planting bulbs, it’s not just about how sunny the area is. You have to check the quality of the soil as well. Loose, well-drained soil is the best choice for spring bulbs. It’s also a good idea to add compost to your planting hole, especially if your soil does not drain easily.
Tip # 6: Get rid of weeds
Whether you’re planting bulbs or not, weeds are definitely not a great addition to your garden. Not only do weeds steal nutrients from your plants, but they also attract insects and diseases. To keep weeds from growing where your bulbs are planted, add some 2 to 3 inches of mulch over the soil. That should do the job quite well.
Tip # 7: Don’t forget to water your bulbs!
And we’re talking about giving your bulbs a good shower right after you plant them. Doing this will encourage your bulbs to start taking root and also helps ensure that your bulbs don’t dry out.
Hope you find the tips above helpful!
Need assistance planting bulbs for the Spring? Do you need to set up Fall maintenance services? We’re here to do it all! Call Stoney Acres today and we’d be happy to give you a free estimate. Call 925-6286