Bulbs are the gateway to the garden. Plant them this fall and forget about them. By the time spring rolls around, the garden will be full of buds ready to blossom.

Whether you’re beginning a garden for the first time or tending an established one, planting flower bulbs has never been easier.

Bulbs are a fantastic way to start or maintain a garden because they spring back up each year without much effort. But the key is to plant them correctly. The hardest part is deciding which flowers and a color scheme to use. 

Select the Best Bulbs

Three factors need to be taken into account when planning a garden: bloom time, planting time and location.

• Consider the time of the season the variety blooms. Bloom time could be early spring, mid-spring or late spring.

• Fall is the best time to plant! Spring-flowering bulbs need a cooling period to bloom in the Spring.  Fall weather is pleasant and plentiful rains ensure your garden will get off to a great start. Plant bulbs any time before the ground freezes.  

• Think about where you want your bulbs. Most bulbs prefer full sun. Before the trees leaf out in spring, full sun can be almost anywhere in the garden. Don’t overlook a spot that seems perfect, but is a bit shady right now.

Planting Bulbs

Planting bulbs is simple. Follow the steps below to create a flawless garden.

1. Dig a hole 3-4 times deeper than the bulb height.
2. Set bulbs firmly in place, following spacing guidelines.
3. Sprinkle in a fertilizer made for bulbs such as Bulb-tone.
4. Cover with soil.
5. Water thoroughly.

Design ideas

Remember when planting bulbs, plant more than you think you need and avoid the temptation to plant in single rows.

• For the most natural look, group them in a pyramid, rectangle or circular shape.

• For a camouflaged look, plant low bulbs in front of taller ones. As the taller ones die back, the shorter will cover the dying foliage.

• For a layered look, plant small bulbs in the same hole as large bulbs.

• For an entire spring of color, stagger bloom time by planting early, mid and late-season varieties together.

Flower bulbs are a low-maintenance way to expand or start a garden and create a stunning look year-after-year. You’ll be amazed at the beautiful array of color that pops up in the spring.

Buy spring flower bulbs now to prepare for the upcoming fall-planting season. Check out our varieties of new spring bulbs here.

About the Espoma Company

The Espoma Company is a fourth generation, family-owned business that has been the pioneer in organic gardening since 1929. Espoma products work in harmony with nature to grow beautiful lawns & gardens, preserve natural resources, and make a greener world for future generations. Espoma offers a complete selection of natural plant foods, lawn foods, control products, and potting mixes that are available nationwide. For additional information, visit www.espoma.com or find them on Facebook.