Planting tulips, daffodils, and other spring-blooming bulbs in autumn will provide welcome color in your garden after the winter. Whether you're planting a few or a whole bunch, here's what you need to know to get it done right.
Bulbs are the closest thing you can get to guaranteed color. After getting them in the ground, all you have to do is sit back and wait for the show. There are all sorts of bulbs that bloom at different times of the year, but among the best to plant in fall for spring bloom include tulip, daffodil, grape hyacinth, crocus, and hyacinth. These spring-blooming bulbs can be planted anytime in the autumn, up until the ground freezes. They do need several weeks of cold temperatures to grow properly so if you live where it stays warm year-round, buy pre-chilled bulbs and don't expect them to return after they bloom. Our simple guidelines for how to plant your spring-flowering bulbs will help you create a beautiful garden to enjoy next year.
Planting Single Bulbs
A good rule of thumb is that bulbs should be planted three times as deep as the bulb is tall. For example, if a bulb is 3 inches tall, dig the hole 9 inches deep. A hand trowel works well to dig a hole the appropriate depth for your bulb. Some trowels like this Corona eGrip Trowel, $8.38, Amazon even have measurements marked on them to help you know when you've dug deep enough. Then, place the bulb in the hole pointy side up, with the roots facing down. Don't worry if your bulb ends up a little sideways—it will still find its way to the surface once it starts growing. Fill in the hole again to cover the bulb, then water to get it growing.
Test Garden Tip: Most spring-blooming bulbs like soil that's on the dry side during their "off season" so choose an area to plant them that doesn't stay too wet in the winter and summer months.
Planting Multiple Bulbs
When you've got lots of bulbs to plant over a large, open area like a new flower bed, use a spading fork or small tiller to loosen the soil first. Freshly-tilled soil will make it much easier to plant your bulbs. Once your soil is prepped, lay out your bulbs so they are at least 4 inches apart from one another. You can plant them in rows for a more formal look, or in small groups of odd numbers for a more natural look. When you have all your bulbs arranged the way you want, plant each bulb similarly to how you would if you were planting them on their own, using a trowel to place it three times as deep as the bulb is tall.
Test Garden Tip: Covering your newly planted area with protective mesh-like chicken wire will help deter squirrels, chipmunks, and other garden creatures from digging up and eating your bulbs.
Pairing Bulbs and Perennials
Planting spring-blooming bulbs around established perennials is a great strategy for concealing bulb foliage when it starts to die back after blooming. While this is happening, many perennials like ferns and hostas will be sending up fresh, new growth that will help hide the less-than-lovely bulb foliage. When planting bulbs among your perennials, a long-handled bulb planter like the Yard Butler Bulb and Garden Planter, $23.92, Amazon is a great tool for getting into tight spaces where there's little room to dig or avoid stepping on plants. If you have larger spots between perennials, try digging a wider hole with a shovel and layering different-sized bulbs in it to create even more eye-catching pops of color. Place your bigger bulbs like daffodils and hyacinths first, then fill to the correct depth for smaller bulbs like crocus and squill.
Test Garden Tip: Bulbs need their leaves to make energy to fuel next year's growth, so wait to clean up the foliage until it has completely turned yellow or withered.