How to Plant Spring-Blooming Bulbs in 3 Easy Steps

Flowers make life more beautiful. They provide a sea of color in the yard and fresh cut flowers to decorate every room of the house.

Starting a garden for the first time can be a daunting task. Fortunately, bulbs are an easy and economical way to ensure flowers this coming spring—and provide a fool-proof way to jumpstart gardens.

“Bulbs are the gateway to the garden,” comments Hans Langeveld, co-owner of Longfield Gardens. “They provide all the beauty of high-maintenance flowers with little effort.”

Bulbs can be planted in the fall when temperatures are pleasant and the ground is easy to dig.  They store their own food so there’s no need to worry about them surviving the winter. Come spring, dozens of buds emerge and blossom.  Plant once this fall to be rewarded year after year, as many types of bulbs return without any effort.

“The key to ensuring your bulbs return beautifully each year is to plant them correctly now.  Don’t worry! Planting a bulb is as easy as 1, 2, 3. The hardest part is deciding which color scheme to use,” Langeveld promises.

Below Langeveld details the easiest, most efficient way to plant a bulb—and offers expert advice on everything from the right time to plant to design tips for a naturally chic garden.

Selecting the Best Bulbs

When planning a garden, three factors need to be taken into account: bloom time, region and the time to plant.

“For a constantly colorful garden, plan for your flowers to bloom in succession or one variety after another,” Langeveld suggests.

When selecting bulbs for a garden, consider the time of the season it blooms. The bloom time could be early spring, mid-spring, late spring, or anytime in the summer.

To determine the hardiness zone, visit the interactive map, and click on the desired region of the country for

planting. “You want to set yourself up for success—and lots of flowers—by selecting bulbs that grow best in your area of the country,” Langeveld advises.

Research the best time of the year to plant by referencing this map before ordering your bulbs.

Dark Purple areas should plant bulbs in October-December, medium purple should plant September-November, and finally,
light purple areas should plant September-October.

Planting Bulbs

Planting the bulbs is as easy as 1, 2, 3. Follow these steps below to create a flawless garden.

1. Dig a hole 3-4 times deep as the bulb height.
2. Set bulbs firmly in place, following spacing guidelines.
3. Cover with soil and water thoroughly.

“Remember when planting bulbs, avoid the temptation to plant them in single rows. For the most natural look, clump them in a pyramid, rectangle, or circular shape,” Langeveld adds.

 

To expand or start a garden, flower bulbs are a low-maintenance way to create a stunning look year after year.

Order bulbs now to prepare for the upcoming fall-planting season.

-Katie

Garden Media Group