It’s that time of year. Though the flowers have ceased to be and the veggies are all in and ready for winter consumption, don’t let this fall pass without planting your spring garden! It’s the perfect time to plant hardy bulbs. And you already know how incredibly satisfying it is to look out your window in early spring and see that splash of color – that hope of warmth returning.
Cooler soils and temperatures make it the best time to plant. Simply dig a hole that is three times the height of your bulb and place it in the ground, pointed end up, with any fertilizer, compost, or other plant food you like. Cover with soil. With nuts and pinecones littering the ground, little furry friends (or enemies!) are off collecting plenty for their own for hibernating and storage purposes, so they are less likely to bother your bulbs. But you can add a piece of chicken wire on top of your bulb row if you fear intruders. Cut a length that is two inches wider than the bulb and bend the length over the row making a little rounded longhouse type protection. Cover with mulch, and in the spring, remove the wire when you see your spring beauties emerging.
Purchase your bulbs and plant them as soon as possible afterward. Generally, it’s a good idea to have them planted in Northeast Ohio by November. Bulbs need several weeks in the ground to get their root systems growing before the ground freezes. However, a bulb in the ground is better than 10 sitting in your garage! You never know – they have been known to bloom just fine in spring even when they were planted into December sometimes!
Hmmmm…what to plant.
Most popular will be crocuses, daffodils, hyacinth, and tulips. There are so many colors and varieties, that even if you plant nothing but these, you’ll be richly rewarded with glorious color and fragrances that will surely chase away any lingering reminders of the harsh winter just passed! A couple of others could include Siberian squill and snowdrops. Check online or with your local nursery about planting how-to’s and other suggestions.
Summer may be passed, but we can create our ‘underground spring’ right now, then fill our winter days with seed catalog browsing and sketch out our garden plans for next year as we sit by our cozy fireplaces and heaters.
What are your favorite bulbs to plant for spring blooming? Do you have tips to share? Leave your comments below.