Tips for Planting Bulbs This Fall

Planting bulbs is fast, easy, and nearly foolproof. Are you ready to fill your garden with beautiful bulbs that bloom in the spring, summer, and fall? Here are ten tips for planting bulbs this fall.

1. Choose Quality Bulbs

Start with high-quality bulbs that are plump and firm. Avoid soft or mushy bulbs or ones that have mold growing on them. Also, look for bigger bulbs. The bigger they are, the more they tend to bloom.

2. Plant in the Right Spot

Even healthy bulbs can fail if you don’t plant them in the right spot. Most bulbs love the sun (at least 6 hours of direct sun daily) and well-drained soil.

Check out this Plant Encyclopedia if you need help.

3. Timing is Key

Timing is key to beautiful blooms. Plant spring-blooming bulbs, such as tulips and daffodils, in September or October. Wait to plant summer bulbs such as dahlia and gladiolus in the spring after the danger of frost has passed.

4. Dig Deep Enough

A common question for gardeners is, “How deep to dig the hole for bulbs.” Generally, you want to dig a hole two the three times deeper than the bulb is tall. So, if you have a three-inch tall bulb, you’ll need to dig a hole six to nine inches deep. Check planting directions, though, because there are some exceptions.

5. Place Pointy Side Up

If the bulb has a pointed end, the side will face up. No pointy side? Look for the roots.

6. Plant in Rich Soil

Bulbs love well-drained soil rich in organic matter. Mix your compost into the planting holes, especially if you have heavy clay soil or ground that stays wet.

7. Keep the Weeds Away

Weeds can steal nutrients from the soil and can attract insects or diseases. Spread two to three inches of mulch over the ground. Your bulbs will pop up, but the weeds won’t.

8. Water Well

Give them a good drink to encourage them to send out roots after you plant them. Watering well will help them establish more quickly and eliminate air pockets in the soil that could cause them to dry out.

9. Protect them From Critters

Certain critters, like squirrels, love to dig up freshly planted bulbs. If spreading a layer of mulch doesn’t do the trick, weigh down a piece of mesh or chicken wire over the soil to keep them from digging them up. You can remove the mesh or wire after the bulbs sprout from the ground.

10. Store Over Winter

If you live in a cold-winter climate, store your summer bulbs in a frost-free place until spring. To do this, plant the bulbs in containers, then sink the container in the ground. At the end of the season, dig them up and store them in an area that stays 40 to 45 degrees.