Blossoming flowers like irises, hyacinths, and daffodils are the first signs of spring, but you should plant them during the fall. This is when the weather and ground begin to cool off, and you should remember a few points to ensure success. With the right planning, care, and garden supplies, your yard will become a colorful, beautiful area when spring showers arrive.

How to Plant Autumn Flower Bulbs

1. Purchase Wisely

For spring-blooming bulbs, the bigger they are, the better they will perform. Larger bulbs tend to bloom more successfully than smaller ones. Also, make sure the ones you choose are plump and firm because they’re less likely to rot during the growing process. If possible, select bulbs with intact husks, as they’re more resistant to diseases.

2. Find the Right Location

Be strategic with where you locate the bulbs. While you can plant them in a shady spot, the flower bed needs at least six hours of sun exposure every day. Also, choose a place that drains well and contains rich soil that you can mix with organic matter or compost. Poor nutrients and lack of drainage will result in rotting bulbs instead of colorful blooms when the weather gets warmer.

3. Give Them Space

Since bulbs need an adequate amount of area to grow and spread their roots, plant them twice as deep as the bulb’s width. Holes about four to six inches deep are appropriate for smaller bulbs like snowdrops and crocuses. Larger bulbs like tulips and alliums require at least eight inches of depth. If you have hungry squirrels and groundhogs near the home, you might also need garden supplies to build a chicken wire cage around the buds.

4. Time Them Correctly

Typically, you should get them into the ground between late September and mid-October. This allows your bulbs to grow their roots before the soil freezes during cold winter months. Also, late fall rains can nourish the plants before they go dormant.

Prepare your yard for the seasons ahead with the help of Bethel Feed & Supply Pet & Garden Center. They have been serving the communities of Clermont and Brown County, OH, since 1984, and offer a wide range of flowers, plants, and garden supplies. Their specialists can also help you find specific plants to hone your green thumb. Learn more about their services online. Call (513) 734-2246 to speak to a representative about any questions.