Kickstart Your Spring Garden By Planting These 5 Bulbs In The Fall
Now that the summer has faded away, you might think it’s time to pack up your gardening tools. But that’s simply not the case – as fall is actually the perfect time to plant bulbs that will burst into color in the spring.
Planting in autumn gives bulbs some time to settle and develop roots during the cooler months, rewarding you with a yard full of vibrant flowers as soon as spring rolls around.
So, if you want to transform your outdoor space with minimal effort, this is a great place to start. Here are some of our favorite fall bulbs to kickstart your garden for next year’s spring season.
Daffodils
Known for their bright yellow or white trumpet-shaped blooms, daffodils are true symbols of spring’s arrival. You should plant these bulbs in early to mid-fall, about two to four weeks before the first frost hits.
As for care, daffodils are quite low maintenance – thriving in well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. Just be sure to plant the bulbs six inches deep with the pointy end facing up and water them thoroughly afterward.
Hyacinths
Hyacinths come in a variety of colors – such as purple, pink, blue, and white – and are beloved for their dense spikes of flowers. Plus, their sweet fragrance makes this flower ideal for planting near walkways or patios.
You can plant hyacinth bulbs in mid to late fall, about three to four inches deep. However, the ground should not be frozen yet, as they need a bit of warmth to start rooting.
Alexandra – stock.adobe.com – illustrative purposes only
These flowers do best in well-drained soil with full sun to partial shade, and planting them in clusters can help protect them from pests.
Alliums
Alliums have the ability to add a dramatic, architectural quality to any garden with their tall, slender stems topped by round globes of tiny flowers. They almost resemble fireworks frozen in time, often coming in shades of purple, blue, or white.
Ideally, you should plant allium bulbs about four to six inches deep, depending on the variety, during the fall. Larger bulbs will need to go deeper, while smaller ones can be planted shallower.
It’s also important to know that alliums are sun-lovers, so it’s best to plant them in a spot that gets plenty of light.
Then, once established, they are drought-tolerant, making them a great option for lower-maintenance gardens.
Tulips
Tulips are a classic garden staple, with their iconic, cup-shaped flowers available in nearly every color imaginable.
If you’d like to grace your yard with this showstopper next spring, plant tulip bulbs in late fall – after the first frost but before the ground freezes. This timing ensures they don’t sprout too early and are protected from harsh winter conditions.
Tulips also love well-drained soil and full sun, but they can be a bit fussier than other bulbs. You should plant them six to eight inches deep and consider covering the area with mulch to protect them from freezing temperatures.
Then, water them thoroughly after planting, but be careful to avoid soggy conditions – which can cause the bulbs to rot.
Crocus
Last but not least are crocuses. While these flowers are small, they’re also some of the earliest to bloom – often pushing their way through the last patches of winter snow.
The blooms come in purple, yellow, white, and striped varieties, adding a delicate yet bright touch to your garden.
Crocus bulbs (actually corms) should be planted about three to four inches deep in the early fall. They also multiply easily, so over time, they will fill in garden beds and create a natural woodland feel.
Crocuses do best in full sun but are able to tolerate partial shade. They’re low-maintenance and drought-tolerant once established, too.
Just be mindful of rodents, who may be tempted to dig up the corms. You can plant them deeper and use a protective layer of mulch to keep them safe.
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