Spring may seem like a long way off, but now is the time to think about adding color to your garden for next year. Fall is the time to plant Spring-flowering bulbs. Here are some tips to get you started.

Select Your Bulbs

When selecting bulbs, choose bulbs that are firm and plump. The larger the bulb the more blooms they should produce. Avoid soft bulbs.

Look at bloom times. Choose bulbs in a variety of bloom times to have continuous color all Spring.

Location, Location, Location

Most bulbs do well in full to part sun. Choose a location that gets around 6 hours of sunlight a day. Keep in mind bulbs will bloom before other foliage has come in. So an area that is shaded by a leafy tree now may be a perfectly sunny spot in early spring.

Planting Guidelines

A general rule for planting bulbs is to plant them roughly 3-4 times deeper than the bulb is tall. So a 3 inches tall bulb will be planted roughly 9 to 12 inches deep. Follow spacing instructions on the package.

Plant your bulbs with the pointy side up. Or look for the end where the roots are starting and plant that side down.

Use a bulb fertilizer while planting to give them a boost. Bulb-tone is a great option.

Water Well

Water your bulbs thoroughly after planting. A good watering will help establish the roots and prevent the bulbs from drying out.

Critter Control

Product bulbs from critters by using Neptune’s Harvest Crab Shell around the planting area. It is sharp pieces of shell that is painful to squirrels and will keep them from digging up your newly planted bulbs.

Get Creative

Use different planting techniques to create a unique look.

• Group them in threes, create a pyramid or circle for a more natural look.
• Planting taller bulbs in back and shorter in front will help camouflage any dieback that happens. The shorter flowers will cover dying foliage from the taller plants.
• Plant multiple varieties of bulbs in the same hole for a layered look.
• Group bulbs by bloom time for continuous color.

Flowering bulbs are a low-maintenance way to add color to your garden all Spring. Learn more about our selection of Spring-flowering bulbs here or visit any English Gardens location.

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