Spring is approaching and even with the snow outside, you may be dreaming of your summer garden. Summer-flowering bulbs are a great way to add season-long color to your garden. As bulbs start to arrive in-store you may start shopping now to get the best selection. But what do you do with those bulbs until it’s time to plant? Here are some tips to keep your bulbs fresh and ready from spring planting. 

• Keep your bulbs in a dry and cool location that won’t drop below freezing like a basement, closet or utility room. Do not store them in an unheated garage or shed, the freezing temperatures will damage the bulbs. 
• Bulbs also need to be protected from heat sources like furnaces or bright sunlight. 
• Exposure to heat may force sprouting early. If your bulb does start sprouting before it is time to plant, be extra careful until it is time to get it in the ground. Most bulbs will only have one opportunity at growth a year, and if you damage the sprout your bulb will not bloom. 
• Plant according to package instructions as soon as the threat of frost is gone. 

You can also start them indoors and have them blooming more quickly once temperatures warm up. In Mid April gatherer your supplies

• Six to 8 inch pots
• Lightweight planting soil
• Bubs and plant labels. 

Plant in the pots according to label instructions. If they are from last year’s garden, plant root down and just deep enough to cover the top with soil. Water thoroughly, this will signal the end of dormancy and wake them up.

Your pots don’t need sunlight at this point, just warmth and water. Keep them in a basement, utility closet or heated garage/shed and water when the soil is dry. At the first signs of blooming (usually 2 weeks after planting), move to a bright window with indirect light. 

When the weather is above 50 degrees move the pots outdoors during the daytime, and bring them in at night. Plant in the ground as soon as the threat of frost is gone, typically mid-May, and you can enjoy beautiful blooms longer throughout the season.

English Gardens has a large selection of summer-flowering bulbs that will brighten up your garden this summer. Come by your nearest location for a complete selection.