Fall Planting

Spring flowering bulbs offer a reliable colorful display just when you need it most and require very little effort. Spring flowering bulbs such as: tulips, daffodils etc., need to be planted in autumn so they bloom in the spring. 
    Choose an appropriate location. Most flowering bulbs prefer sun, but  can be almost anywhere in the spring–before the trees leaf out, so don’t overlook a spot that seems perfect. Well-drained soil will prevent the bulbs from rotting in cool weather. You can plant bulbs as long as the soil is soft enough to dig a hole. However, they will have more time to establish roots if planted before mid-November.
    Plant with the pointed side up. The pointed side is the stem. You may be able to see some shriveled roots on the flatter side. Plant bulbs to a depth of about three times their diameter. That is usually about 6-8 inches. Smaller bulbs can be planted to a depth of 3-4 inches and so on. 
    If you add mulch after planting, include this as part of your overall planting depth. At planting time, to encourage strong root growth, mix some bone meal or starter fertilizer into the soil at the bottom of the hole. Replace the soil on top of the bulbs. Water the bulbs after planting, to help them settle in and close any air pockets. 
    Mark your plantings to make sure you don't disturb your bulbs by trying to plant something else in the same spot. Through the fall and winter, you only need to worry about watering your bulbs if you’re having a particularly dry season. Bulbs usually look best in clumps or drifts. However, some folks choose to disperse them sporadically throughout their garden. Either way, in spring you will be well rewarded for all your autumn efforts. There is nothing more uplifting after a long cold dreary winter than the gorgeous explosion of colorful bulb flowers!

As an Added Bonus
Plant colorful fall pansies along with spring flowering bulbs. Plant pansies in front or among the bulbs and the pansies will provide color during the fall. Then together both the pansies and spring bulbs will bloom together in the spring for a colorful display!

Over Winter Success
Not only will fall pansies bloom through the first snowfall, but they will also re-bloom in the spring and into the early summer. At the end of a rough winter, the foliage and stems may look a bit spent, but with a little pruning and cleanup, they will produce fresh green growth once the weather warms in the spring.

Whether planted in the ground or in containers, remember to keep the plants well watered and fed in the fall. For continuous colorful blooms we recommend feeding all flowering plants to help them stay strong throughout the winter and to insure a successful re-bloom in spring.