After a harsh, cold, and dark Winter, don't you just love bright colorful flowers in the springtime? They are sign of a new life and rejuvenation. But it's Autumn, so why are we talking about Spring flowers now? The conversation should be all about Halloween [1] costumes. Hold up; now is the time to start planting the bulbs for your Spring flower garden! Why? Those bulbs need an extended time of cold temperatures (35-45°F) to bloom in the spring, so you should start planting your bulbs when the soil temperature drops to 55°F. Ahead, we share everything you need to know about planting Spring bulbs.
Which Way Is Up?
You want to make sure you plant your bulb in the right direction, with the bottom of the bulb into the ground first. The bottom of the bulb has little roots growing from it already and is generally flatter than the top, which is pointy. Of course, the bottom is where the roots will grow, while the top part of the bulb will sprout the leaves and flowers.
Where Should I Plant the Bulbs?
Bulb flowers love sunny spots. Plant your bulbs in an area in your garden where there is a lot of light. Also, make sure the soil is well-draining. The bulbs will rot if they sit in water for too long.
A good rule of thumb is that the hole should be twice as deep as the bulb is tall. So, if your bulb is 2 inches, your hole should be 4 inches deep. Also, plant your bulbs in clusters rather than rows since it's more appealing to the eye.
More Tips and Tricks
- Look for bulbs that are firm and not soft or mushy.
- The larger the bulb, the more likely they are to sprout flowers.
- Squirrels and other critters love bulbs. So, protect them with chicken wire or some other mesh.
- Don’t have a garden? No worries. You can also plant bulbs in flower pots.
- Your local nursery will sell the types of flowers you can grow in your area; however, you may be able to find your favorite flower’s bulbs cheaper online from places like Amazon or Ebay.
- Add a marker to remind you where you planted your bulbs. This way you won’t dig them up by accident.