FALL PLANNING BRINGS SPRING BEAUTY

Planning/planting, when it comes to spring flowering bulbs they sort of go hand-in-hand. You must plant spring bulbs such as tulips, hyacinths and daffodils (and other bulbs as well) during the months of October and November in order to get that great early spring showcase that you see in other people’s flower beds during the months of March, April and May. I cannot tell you how many times folks come to me in the spring looking to buy those bulbs because their neighbors yard is so beautiful. The only time you can plant spring bulbs is in the fall so go shopping today.

Many gardeners will dig up and store their spring bulbs during the summer months in a dry, cool place such as a basement, garage or storage shed as opposed to simply leaving them in the ground forever. Once the season comes to an end, it is time to replant those stored bulbs in the ground for another round of flowering next spring. If you need bulbs, simply go and buy them anywhere and get them in the ground soon. You may think that you don’t have a green thumb but come next spring you will be so pleased with your self because the results of your efforts will come shining through. Success is close to 99% because growing bulbs is foolproof.

After planting the bulbs top-dress the soil with mulch and you are finished. However if you want some color in those mulch beds at this time of year, get a few large pots and plant some outdoor perennial garden mums and just set them around. Very easy, very colorful. Later when the mums stop looking so good, simply plant them in the ground in some out of the way place and worry about them next spring.