Sunday, August 21, 2011

Fall Is Time To Plant your Spring Bulbs

As much as we may not want to admit it, fall is fast approaching, and in our area that means the snow cannot be far behind. So, even though we have a bit of our summer still to enjoy, this is the time to start thinking about planting fall bulbs! A bit of work in the garden, or in your flower beds after the first frost will provide you beautiful blooms next spring, and for years to come, as bulbs are perennials that come back year after year, many of them multiplying with each successive year. Bulbs of all kinds from my own perspective give those of us who love flowers the biggest bang for the buck, as they bloom year after year, and tend to naturalize on their own over time.





A few Basic Tips



First Up-Annuals bloom only once, lasting one growing season. Perennials come back year after year, going dormant in the fall until the weather warms again the next spring.



Flowers bulbs are perennial. Drive down almost any country road in the spring time, see a large clump of daffodils or iris, and they were probably planted there decades ago.



Bulb Depth (general rule)-large bulbs 8 inches deep, and 6 inches apart, small bulbs 5 inches deep, 3 inches apart (all pointed ends up).



After planting a bulb bed add 2-3 inches of mulch to retain moisture as well as protect your bulbs.



When choosing bulbs, think about color, size of blooms when making your selections. Look for bulbs that are firm, clean, and free of mold.



Best time to plant your bulbs is after first frost.



Save a few bulbs for a winter touch of spring in your home by planting bulbs indoors! Growing bulbs indoors during our COLD winter is known as "forcing" them.





Enjoy the rest of your summer, and start putting some thought into where you would like to plant some spring bulbs this fall.

Some of My Favorite Bulb Sites



Wayside Gardens (I LOVE LOVE LOVE their Iris!)



Spring Hill (Used to live not too far from this nursery which is located in Tipp City, Ohio.)



Eden Brothers (Some of the flowers in our Mountaindale Train Garden came from here.)



*Note-Mountaindale Community Development Project is planning on having a bulb planting day here in our hamlet, so stay tuned for more details.