Planting Bulbs in the Fall – How to Properly Plant
Planting bulbs in the fall might make some new gardeners nervous. After all, we like to get most of our plants in the ground in the spring. Planting spring flowering bulbs, however requires planting bulbs in the fall. Fear not! It’s easy. Here’s what you need to know.
Planting Bulbs in the Fall – Easy Peasy
Planting bulbs is not all that difficult, and the process for planting bulbs in the fall is pretty much the same as planting them in the spring. It’s just a matter of knowing the basics and then following them. It’s really as easy as that. So let’s get into it!
Choose an Area
Bulb plants don’t like to be wet, so plant them in an area of the garden with good drainage. Be sure that spot gets plenty of sun, as well, since bulb plants love the sun.
Make the Bed
Like all plants, bulbs need adequate food to thrive. I recommend amending garden beds every year with the compost you’ve been making all season prior. It’s a great way to add an extra kick to your bulbs. Work in the amendment, loosening the soil to a depth of around 10″. Bulbs are generally planted anywhere between 5 and 8 inches deep, and you want those roots to be able to easily grow.
Tuck in Your Bulbs
One of the keys to planting bulbs in the fall is to be sure to get the nuances down. First thing’s first. Follow planting directions. The label will tell you what you need to known in regards to depth, watering and the like.
Secondly, make sure the bulbs are facing the right direction – pointy side up. With tulips the pointy side is so prominent, you can’t miss it. With bulbs like crocus, it’s tougher to tell. In general, look for the end of the bulb that is the smaller. That’s the point. Luckily, even if you don’t get it right, those suckers have a way of making it topside anyway.
One of the biggest, BIGGEST keys to planting bulbs in the fall is not to be too heavy handed. You want to place your bulbs at the recommended depth, then back fill the hole and LIGHTLY COMPRESS the soil. This is where most people mess up. Do NOT pack the soil. Lightly compressing it helps get out air and keep out bugs. Packing the soil makes it exceedingly difficult for shoots to break through.
[tweetthis]Planting bulbs in the fall is simple enough, but don’t forget this one trick.[/tweetthis]
After that, simply water the area thoroughly to promote root growth and you’re done. You don’t even need to water regularly after that, as the real action won’t start with the bulbs until spring. See? Easy peasy.
[tweetthis]Do you need to water the fall bulbs you plant now? Read more and find out.[/tweetthis]
Planting Bulbs in the Fall – The Easiest Gardening You’ll Do
Planting bulbs in the fall is the easiest bit of gardening you’ll ever do. You don’t have to worry about breaking up roots or extra watering or anything else. All you need is a well turned bed and a light touch when you back fill, and you’re good to go. Give it a try and don’t forget to get the kids involved.
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17 Comments
Heather @ Kraus House Mom
My MIL plants 100s of bulbs in the fall and she makes sure she puts rocks on top of them so the squirrels don’t steal them. She lines he walkway with flowers, looks great when they bloom.
Mitch
I hope to one day need this info! We live in an apartment, and I long to have a house with property where I can plant bulbs like this!
Pam Wattenbarger
I used to have some beautiful tulips in the backyard. I really should plant some more bulbs. I know I would appreciate my effort when spring came around.
Jacqui - @TradesofJacqui
I don’t have a garden at this time, but, this is a great post. I love looking at flowers in yards.
Helena - - babyfoote
My neighbour just planted a ton of bulbs. Can’t wait to see what he put in the ground! Last year he told us they were tulips, but they were red hot pokers!
dana vento
I love planting bulbs in the fall but then I forget that I did and the next spring all these beautiful flowers appear. It is a great time in the fall to plant because the rain helps the ground be a little more forgiving to my bulb digger. Great tips.
Kathleen Kennedy-Leon
this is perfect timing for me-because I’ve always wanted to plant bulbs but had no idea. I’m going to be a happy camper once spring comes around for sure!
Michele D
We plant year round here in Florida but these are great tips for planting during the Fall.
Susan
I’m going to try this! My gardening skills are seriously lacking…I have yet to be successful with any of the plantings I’ve done in the past few years!
Sarah
I’ve often heard that it’s actually great to plant things during the fall season. Things like grass seed, bulbs, flowers and even vegetables. Definitely some great tips and I may have to try it.
Courtneylynne
These are some really great tips! I really should start planting bulbs. I keep telling myself I will then never do lol
Gwendolyn Mulholland
These are great tips and I really should plant bulbs now so I can enjoy them in the Spring. Maybe I can get my husband to do it for me. That also means I need to weed the flower bed. 🙂
Kathy
I’m excited to finally be able to plant some flowers soon. If all goes well I’ll be closing on a house on Friday, so I can put some flowers around the home. This is a wonderful post about bulbs too.
Eloise
When I was a home owner I enjoyed planting bulbs and then seeing them grow in the spring time… I love gardening : )
Kendall
These are such great tips! I really never did get into planting too much in the fall, but I think this year I will. Awesome post, thanks for sharing!
Chubskulit Rose
Moles are pretty heavy around here so I have no luck with bulbs, they get eaten before they even comes up. These are great tpis though.
Terri Beavers
I never realized I could plant bulbs in the fall. I’ve always heard to do it in the spring. I can’t wait to go out and buy some and look forward to the results.