Sprucing up Your Landscape with Colorful Bulbs

For many of us, bulb flowers, such as daffodils, hyacinths and tulips, represent the emergence of warm weather, the joy of spring bursting forth, and the satisfaction of saying good-bye to winter.

If you’d like to see spring bulb flowers peeking out of your garden next year, then the first thing you have to do is plan and plant in the fall. The fall is the best time for planting bulbs, and the most ideal time is at least four to six weeks before the first frost.

The best part of planting bulbs is that it’s easy! Many gardeners turn to bulbs as a simple, foolproof way to spruce up their flower beds. Bulbs are generally hardy flowers, and enjoy well-drained, moist soil.

How to get started with bulbs:

• Purchase a bulb planter and the desired bulbs. Keep in mind that bulbs provide a much stronger, more vibrant impact when planted in bunches, so don’t skmip on the amount of bulbs you purchase. You may also want to check online bulb suppliers, as you can generally receive a discount when purchasing large quantities.
• Wait until the ground has begun to cool – this is generally when evening temperatures begin to dip into the 40s and 50s. If you purchase your bulbs ahead of time, simply store them in a cool, dark place. Don’t, however, forget about them, as they will not last until next season.
• Keep your labels together and bulbs organized before and during planting. Once you have mixed your pink tulips and your yellow tulips, there is no way of telling them apart.
• Begin to prepare the bed by loosening the soil. You may also want to add compost or peat moss to the soil if it’s not an established bed.
• The only detail that really needs to be taken into consideration when planting your bulbs is to plant them “pointy side up.” Your bulb planter will ensure that they are planted at the desired depth, and because bulbs do well in any area of well-drained soil, you can get creative and plant your bulbs in any number of designs and combinations.
• You do not need to add any fertilizer now. You may choose to add an organic fertilizer, or a slow-release bulb food, during the second year.
• Consider planting shorter flowers in front of taller flowers that bloom at the same time for a multi-level effect. Or, if your taller flowers bloom later, you may want to consider planting the shorter flowers in the back. Then, once your shorter flowers begin to wilt, your taller flowers will act as a camouflage.
• Be creative with your choices and colors. Make a bold statement by planting bright yellow daffodils with deep red tulips, for example. Choose unexpected, bold color choices and, most importantly, have fun! Your work will surely pay off the following spring when your garden turns into a showplace that is envied by your neighbors!