Planting Bulbs

Plant bulbs in fall to have a dazzling display in spring.

Blooming bulbs are among the first signs of spring, but in order to get that type of dazzling display in your yard, you have to plant bulbs in the fall.

In late summer and early fall, garden centers have rows upon rows of crates filled with bulbs just waiting to be planted. Since it's important to plant bulbs four to five weeks before your last frost, that would be a good time to go shopping. There are a lot of different types to choose from, so before you head out, it's good to have a plan. When selecting bulbs, pick the healthiest. The bulb should be heavy in your hand (depending on the bulb type), firm and free of deep scars, cuts or soft spots.

After you've made your selections, there are three things to consider when designing your planting. The first is color, and there are many to choose from. Ask yourself these questions: Where will the bulbs be--up against the house or centered in a landscape bed? Will the color contrast or complement nearby plants, the house color or other hardscape features?

Second, consider the height of your plants. Bulbs grow into to flowers that reach six inches tall and up. Where will the bulb be placed, and how will it affect the plants around it?

Daffodil

The third consideration--when do you want the bulbs to bloom? Some flower in early spring, others mid-spring, and still others are late-season bloomers.

Gorgeous Fall Chrysanthemums

When host Rebecca Kolls visited Holland, she learned to plant bulbs in drifts to make a dramatic impact in the garden, grouping the same colors and varieties together. This method is much more effective than scattering a few bulbs here and there. The bottom line? You're going to need a lot of bulbs in order to have this type of planting. Some people buy hundreds at a time. But keep in mind that the more you buy, the more you save on each bulb because you're buying in bulk.

No matter which bulbs you plant, begin by digging a hole in a sunny location with well-drained soil. The depth of the hole depends on the size of the bulb.

For example, the smaller-sized crocus are generally planted two to three inches deep, while the larger tulips are planted four to six inches deep and daffodils eight to 10 inches deep. Once you have the proper depth, sprinkle in some bulb fertilizer then insert the bulbs into the hole, spacing them two to three inches apart. Make sure the points are "looking up" at you . Once they're planted, give them a good soaking and continue watering periodically until the ground freezes hard. Once this happens, add a thick layer of mulch.