Autumn bulb planting tips

There are a number of bulbs that bloom in the spring and summer which is why autumn bulb planting is so perfect. This way, as soon as the weather warms up again, your daffodils, tulips and any other spring-blooming bulbs will brighten up your garden in the most spectacular way. Here are some tips to ensure gardening success.

When to plant

The key to autumn bulb planting is making sure that you plant before the first freeze. Many people avoid planting too early because temperatures are still relatively high. However, once you reach mid-autumn, you should have your garden planned out already. Get an assortment of bulbs as well as colours so that you get to enjoy an amazing variety.

Tips for single autumn bulb planting

If you are planning on planting single bulbs, they should always be three times as deep as the height of the bulb. You can use a hand trowel to dig a hole. Some varieties even have measurements on them which helps you compare the depth of the hole to the size of the bulb very easily. Do your utmost to position the bulb so that the roots are facing down. Top the bulb with soil and wait until after winter to see the fruits of your labour. Remember, spring-blooming bulbs enjoy soil that is a bit more dry. Choose a part of your garden that is generally more on the dry side compared to the rest of your garden. Higher ground is usually best, for instance.

Tips for multiple autumn bulb planting

If you plan on planting a lot of bulbs over a bigger piece of land, you will need to prepare the soil first. Use a small tiller or spading fork to loosen the soil. It will make planting that much easier if the soil is properly prepared. Your bulbs need to be planted at least 4 inches apart and, if you like, you can plant them in rows. Another option is to plant them in groups of odd numbers here and there. You can arrange these groups as you please and you can also mix up the colours. If you have any critters like squirrels in your area, you can use something like chicken wire to prevent them from digging up your bulbs.

Perennials and bulbs

When you include both bulbs and perennials in your garden, you can enjoy even greater variety. So, feel free to plant bulbs around or near your perennials and you can switch things up each year for variety and a fresh you look.

Finally, apart from these autumn bulb planting tips, you need to remember that these plants need their leaves in order to produce energy. They need this energy in order to bloom the following year. So, before you clean up your garden, make sure that the leaves are completely done doing their job.