Fall Flower Gardening: Bulb Planting Season
| Lawn and Yard Resources Fall Lawn Care |
Fall planting insures that the flower's root system is established prior to the bulb going dormant for the winter. Because most bulbs are bred to withstand a frozen ground, once established, the onset of spring signals the flowers to shoot up and bloom.
While each flowering bulb generates its own specific planting instructions, a couple general planting rules of thumb apply for all bulbs.
- Choose a garden space suitable for at least one row or circle of flowers. If you are planting more than one row, consider the height of the flowers and put the taller flowers in the back row. Most varieties of bulb flowers enjoy a sunny spot, however some afternoon or early morning shading is acceptable.
- In areas with already established bulbs, cut back the flowers and leaves to allow the bulbs an opportunity to refresh themselves. Once planted, bulbs generally do not need fertilizer their first year.
- Place bulbs in relatively deep holes: Hole depth can reach up to eight or nine inches depending on the size and type of bulb. The soil should be your best topsoil with good nutrients and good drainage conditions.
- Share your gardening skills with others. Local community volunteer projects across the United States have already been established to plant bulbs along roadsides and walkways.
© 2006-2009. Patricia A. Michaels