Fall is the Best Time to Plant Bulbs for Spring Blooms
Even though the weather is beginning to cool down, this does not mean it is time to give up on gardening. In fact, fall is actually the best time to plant bulbs for spring blooming. For beautiful spring flowers make sure to plant bulbs prior to the first freeze.
Tips on How to Plant Bulbs
Some bulbs will bloom one season, while others will continue to bloom year after year. Either way, they are a beautiful site and well worth it. Here are some tips on how to plant them:
- Plant in an area with well-drained soil and plenty of sunlight.
- Incorporate compost into the soil.
- The depth of each hole should be three times the width of the bulb.
- There is always a chance that some may not grow, so make sure to plant plenty.
- For a natural look, plant and space them randomly.
- Use a low nitrogen fertilizer and water well after planting.
- Apply a layer of mulch to deter weeds and retain moisture.
Types of Bulbs to Plant
The types of bulbs that are available to plant are numerous so it is best to choose ones that work well in your climate. In the DC area, for flowers that bloom towards the end of winter, plant Grape Hyacinth and Winter Aconite. For early spring blooms include Crocus and Daffodils into your garden beds. Tulips will also bloom in early spring and continue on to the end of the season. Bearded Iris and Siberian Iris will both bloom from early spring on into the summer.
While some may believe that fall is a time to wind down the gardening, it is actually the best time to start preparing for next spring. At Shorb Landscaping, our team of landscapers and designers can help ready your lawn and gardens for every season. Call us at 301-897-3503.
