Figure 1SOPHIE COONEN/ UNSPLASH IMAGES
You’ve probably spotted the spring blooming bulb displays if you’ve been to a garden center after the summer. The popularity of bulbs at this time of year is due to the fact that they function best when planted in the fall. The soil is still warm enough to encourage early root growth, and a time of cooling is still ahead, which is crucial for a beautiful spring display.
Plant bulbs too early in the season, while temperatures are still high, such as late July or early September, and the bulb will think it’s spring. Chilling time is required for spring blooming bulbs. On average, this period lasts roughly 12 weeks, while some bulbs, such as snowdrops, crocus, and scilla, might last as little as six weeks.
It’s also a poor idea to wait too long. It’s possible that the earth is frozen, or that the bulbs haven’t had enough time to freeze before spring arrives. You’ll get leaves without blooming once more. In general, October is the optimum month to sow spring flowering bulbs.
1.Perennials and wildflowers get a head start on the growing season.
Figure 2ADRIANA MIU/ PEXELS IMAGES
Perennials and wildflowers that are planted in the fall get a good start on growth the following spring.
The cooler temperature in the fall is less stressful for your young plants, allowing their root systems to establish themselves in a pleasant environment before the winter arrives.
Once the ground thaws in the spring, root systems will begin to sprout, long before the soil can be manipulated by human hands or any new plants can be planted. Finally, different bulbs have different planting needs.
2. Provide vital assistance to pollinators.
For pollinators, earlier blossoms mean earlier nectar supplies! At the latter end of the gardening season, birds, bees, butterflies, and helpful insects may struggle to obtain food. You’ll be helping pollinators by supplying nectar supplies in the early spring and autumn.
3.Take Advantage of the Cooler Weather.
If you don’t like the hot, humid weather, try planting in the fall! Working in the garden is made more delightful and relaxing by the fresh, chilly air.
Lily bulbs planted in the autumn, if deeply planted and well-mulched, will take all but the coldest days of the season to establish themselves before blooming in the spring. Bulb preservation and a solid, robust start are ensured by planting in the fall.
Overnight temperatures should be between 5 and 10 degrees Celsius, and the soil should be warm enough to work. You can start planting as soon as the temps reach that level.
4. Reduce the amount of water you use.
Evaporation is reduced when the weather is cooler. In addition, because photosynthesis slows with shorter days, your young plants will use less water than if planted in the spring.
Places in your garden where water may gather should be avoided. Wet feet are a no-no for lilies. Saturated soil not only hinders their development, but it also permits fungus and the few other diseases that attack them to establish a foothold.
Lilies, on the other hand, require a continual supply of water. It’s just as vital to add lots of organic material to store the moisture that roots may draw from as it is to ensure adequate drainage.
In any scenario, a two-inch layer of mulch over your newly planted bulbs will hide the screen while also retaining moisture and keeping the soil warmer for longer, allowing roots to develop more rapidly. Finally, to ensure success, water in and keep enough moisture.
5.Allow Your Spring-Blooming Bulbs to Relax.
Figure 3FLASH DANTZ/ UNSPLASH IMAGES
Do you enjoy bright flowers like tulips, daffodils, and others? These spring-blooming bulbs must be planted in the fall since they require a period of wintering-over before blooming in the spring. (If you live in a warm region, don’t worry; you can chill spring blooming bulbs in the refrigerator.)
Refrain from cutting down the dead leaves too soon. It’s critical that the leaves stay on the plant until they’re totally yellowed. Those leaves have been photosynthesizing since blooming and are giving the nutrients and energy the bulb requires till next year.
Conclusion
Keep in mind that foraging animals are attracted to newly planted bulbs. You aren’t the only one who has a plan for those large, lovely bulbs! Because many animals choose bulbs as a food source in the fall, it’s a good idea to prepare for scavengers.
Consider putting down a layer of wire mesh or screen with 12-inch holes before calling it a day. That will deter the animals from digging up your bulbs and ruining your spring show. Remove the wire before the new leaf develops in the spring of the next year.
Daffodils are typically not adored by squirrels (some of the most renowned bulb thieves), therefore planting them plentifully among your other kinds may deter squirrels from ripping up the garden. Tulips are probably the biggest target for pests, so if you can only protect one plant, guard those tulips!
Finally, as a nutritional supplement, a yearly feeding of compost and bone meal high in phosphorus is essential for long-term performance.
