Spring Flowers Begin With Fall Bulbs

If you're looking forward to a vibrant and beautiful spring garden, the time to start is now. Yes, you heard right. The secret to a stunning spring garden lies in the preparation you do in the fall. Planting fall bulbs is an investment in the future. It requires a little bit of planning and elbow grease now, but the payoff is worth it when your garden is the first to bloom come spring.

Where to Buy Fall Bulbs

Not all bulbs are equal. Big box stores have low grade and smaller size bulbs. Specialty store, like Gardenside Blooms, secure PREMIUM bulbs that result in larger blooms and better vitality. Choose wisely.

When to Plant Fall Bulbs

So, when exactly should you plant these fall bulbs? The answer is as soon as you're able. Ideally, you want to get these bulbs in the ground while it is still workable. Most bulbs prefer to have a period of cold dormancy before they start their growth cycle. By planting them in the fall, you're giving them plenty of time to settle in and establish their roots. If you can't get them in the ground right away, don't panic. Bulbs can be stored for up to a month in a cool dry space.

Preparing the Planting Bed

Now that you know when to plant your fall bulbs, let's talk about where and how to plant them. The first step is to prepare your planting bed. Bulbs like well-drained soil. If you're planting in a new or unestablished garden bed, you'll want to do some prep work first. Loosen the soil with a garden fork or tiller, remove any rocks or weeds, and then mix in some compost. This will improve the soil structure and provide essential nutrients for your bulbs.

Planting the Bulbs

Once your bed is prepped, it's time to plant. Each bulb has a pointy end and a root end. The pointy end should be facing up, and the roots should be pointing down. If you're not sure which end is which, look for the remnants of roots on the bottom and the pointy tip on top. As a general rule, you should plant your bulbs 2-3 times as deep as the bulb is tall. So, if your bulb is 2 inches tall, you'll want to plant it 4-6 inches deep.

Watering Your Newly Planted Bulbs

After you've planted your bulbs, backfill the hole with soil and lightly compress it. This will help eliminate any air pockets. Then, give your bulbs a good watering. This initial watering is crucial as it helps to stimulate root growth. After this, you can reduce watering, as overwatering can lead to bulb rot.

With these steps, you're well on your way to creating a beautiful spring garden. Remember, a little effort now will reap big rewards in the spring. We have over 9,000 bulbs available for purchase this fall. So, go ahead, purchase your bulbs and start planting! Your future self will thank you when your garden is bursting with color at the first sign of spring.