You can plant your spring flowering bulbs in the fall anytime before the ground freezes. The earlier you plant the better. This will give your plant more time to establish a root system before the ground freezes.

Good soil drainage is important to growing bulbs. If your soil has a lot of clay you can improve it by adding compost and peat moss.

Here are some more useful tips about planting your spring bulbs in the fall:

  • Purchase high quality bulbs.
  • If you are looking to group you flowers you can plant your bulbs in a trench instead of digging individual holes.
  • Check the package label for the correct depth.
  • If you have no directions, go ahead and dig the holes a depth of about 3 times the height of the bulb.
  • Make sure the soil is loose and add organic matter.
  • Add bulb fertilizer to the bottom of the hole mixing it in the soil.
  • Place the bulb in the bottom of the hole, right side up. (point up, roots down)
  • Refill the hole, tapping down the soil lightly.
  • Water thoroughly. A little more than usual for about 1 week.
  • Place mulch, pine needles or straw on top of the ground where you planted your bulbs. This will give your bulbs protection from the freezing ground.

Don’t forget to remove the mulch in the spring!

Need some gardening advice or just a useful tip or two? Leave us a comment with your gardening question or click here to contact us. Either way, we’ll give you personalized gardening advice.