Planting Bulbs for Spring

The crisp refreshing feeling of fall is upon us at last. Now is the time to plant your bulbs for that first burst of color after the winter cold. Nothing brings more joy than the sight of spring breaking through the earth after the cold grey of winter.  We put together 10 top tips to ensure that lovely pop of color come spring.

• Plant bulbs where they get at least 6 hours of sunlight a day.

• Make sure bulbs are not sitting in soggy ground. Bulbs don’t like wet feet.

• Plant when nightly temperatures are around 40-50 degrees 6 weeks before the ground freezes. (For the PNW that is around the first week of October).

• Plant pointy side up!

• Plant bulbs to a depth of 3 times the bulb’s height. For example: a bulb that is 1 inch in height, plant it 3 inches deep and so on.

• Plant bulbs in clusters or throw them into the garden and plant where they fall for a more naturalized look

• After flowering let the foliage die down completely to ensure that the nutrients return to the bulb then feel free to tidy up.

• Bulbs are great in pots for a great pop of color.

• Problems with deer? Plant daffodils and hyacinths.

• Note...Dahlias and gladiolus are planted in spring as they don’t withstand cooler temperatures as well.

Let’s not forget, having the right tools to get the job done will make quick work of your bulb planting.  Little Bird Gardens has just what you need from a fresh new pair of Foxglove ‘Works’ gloves to handmade tools forged in Montana by Tuli Tools and how about a new gardening apron?

Little Bird Gardens collection of bulbs….

• Allium

• Crocus

• Galanthus (Snowdrops)

• Muscari

• Narcissus

Tulips, tulips, and more tulips!

Colchicum (Water Lily- all parts are poisonous so wear gloves when handling these)

Lots of varieties to choose from!