Plant Spring Bulbs in the Fall

Prepare now for a burst of color come spring

Planting spring bulbs in the fall is like burying a secret treasure that will surprise you with beauty in the spring. Bulbs like tulips, daffodils, and crocuses need the cold winter months to rest before they burst into bloom as soon as the weather warms up. Fall is the perfect time to get them in the ground, ideally six to eight weeks before the first hard frost.

To plant bulbs, choose a sunny spot with well-drained soil. Plant in the ground or in pots. Dig holes two to three times as deep as the bulb is tall, place them pointy side up, and cover them with soil. For a natural look, plant bulbs in clusters rather than straight rows. You can also layer bulbs in the same spot, planting larger bulbs like daffodils deeper and smaller ones like crocuses closer to the surface, creating a beautiful, layered effect when they bloom.

Once your bulbs are planted, water them thoroughly and add a layer of mulch to protect them over the winter. Then, sit back and relax. When spring arrives, your garden will come to life with color. It’s an easy, rewarding project that only requires a little effort in the fall for a big payoff in the spring.

Leola Young & AI PA