Fall for most of us is a time to clean up our lawn and gardens from all of the falling leaves, as well as prepare for winter. Along with those tasks it is a great time to start planning for spring by planting your bulbs!
The bulbs we traditionally see being planted are garden favorites such as tulips, daffodils, crocuses and hyacinths. Other bulbs that should also be planted in the fall so that they bloom in the spring are allium, ornamental onion, irises, anemones, and lilies.
The best time to plant spring flowering bulbs is late September early October. If you plant bulbs too early when the temperatures are still warm, you will run the risk of confusing the bulb in thinking it is spring. Waiting too late the ground could be frozen and the bulb will not have enough time to chill. A spring bulb usually needs between 6 to 12 weeks of chilling time.
Plant your bulbs in a depth about 3 to 4 times as deep as the bulb, with the pointed end up. Make sure you plant your bulbs in well-drained soil, and in areas where there is at least six hours of sun. Because bulbs are a tasty treat for certain animals place a layer of wire mesh or screen with openings to keep them from being dug up and becoming a snack. Follow with a thick layer of mulch so that the soil will stay warmer longer and roots can establish.
Plant your bulbs in clusters, single rows will not give you the wow factor you are going to want to see in the spring. You will also want to plant low bulbs in the front of the high bulbs. Be creative and enjoy the process. Just a bit of effort during the fall will give you a beautiful surprise in the spring!
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Have questions or need landscaping assistance? Please contact Beth at 734-732-8200 or visit her website at http://www.landscapebeautybydesignmi.com/
