Poundridge Nurseries, Inc. - Blog

Planting bulbs in the fall for spring flowers is a long standing tradition with many gardeners, but it is a tradition that has slowly declined in popularity. Many new homeowners–and therefore new garden owners–long for the spring show of tulips or jonquils (daffodils) that they remember from their mothers’ or grandmothers’ gardens, but most don’t know how easy it is to have the same flowers for themselves. What they don’t know is that planting fall bulbs is one of the easiest ways to grow a plant because bulbs are, quite simply, a plant waiting to be. All the plant parts and the energy needed to make a flower are stored in a self contained package, the bulb. Bury one in the ground and a flower will emerge in the spring. It’s as simple as that. There is no need to water or fertilize (though a little Bulb-tone at planting time can be helpful).

Of course there are some pitfalls when it comes to planting bulbs, such as planting them the right depth (make the hole three times as deep as the bulb is wide), and the right way up (usually self-evident, but look for shriveled roots and you’ve found the bottom). Yet, even a bulb planted too deep and upside down will struggle to right itself and push its way to the surface somehow. The best thing about planting bulbs is that it provides the satisfaction of doing something in your garden that is not a reactive “chore” like pruning a shrub or weeding. Planting bulbs in autumn is a preemptive strike for beauty and a little sweat in September will go a long way to enjoying some flowers in April or May.

My favorite bulbs for big gardens are daffodils because the deer won’t eat them and because in time they spread naturally. I like crocus for close up spots along a walk way where I am sure to see them, and swaths of scilla or snowdrops beneath a special tree. Tulips are great for a formal bed near the patio because I can enjoy their unique shades of color up close while keeping the deer at bay. Hyacinths are another great bulb to plant close to the house because their strong fragrance is always a pleasure.

So go plant some bulbs this fall. It’s your first step towards a beautiful spring garden.

–Daryl Beyers