As temperatures begin to drop and the crispness of fall sets in, it's the perfect time to think ahead to spring - by planting fall bulbs! These little powerhouses will be your garden's first burst of color, emerging from the ground when most other plants are still in their winter slumber. The best part is they'll keep coming back the following years!

Choosing the Right Bulbs

For the best results, choose firm, healthy bulbs with a papery covering, like an onion. Avoid bulbs that are soft, moldy or have an unpleasant odor, as these are signs of decay. Remember, the bigger the bulb, the bigger the bloom, and Earl May only chooses the larger sized bulbs from Holland!

Step-By-Step Guide to Planting Fall Bulbs

• Digging the Hole: Use a shovel to dig a hole to the appropriate depth for your bulbs. As a general rule, bulbs should be planted to a depth of 5-6 times the width of the bulb, but follow the instructions on the package for each variety. Planting too deep or too shallow will lead to poor results.
• Soil Preparation: Loosen th soil at the bottom of the hole. If your soil is sandy, mix in peat moss or leaf compost. For heavy or clay soil, mix in Earl May Structure to improve soil texture.
• Fertilize: Sprinkle Bone Meal (or Bulb Food if you have digging in your lawn) to the bottom of the hole and mix it well into the soil. This provides essential nutrients for strong root growth.
• Pest Protection: Spray your bulbs with Repels-All Animal Repellent to keep animals from digging up your newly planted bulbs.
• Planting the Bulbs: Place the bulbs in the soil with the pointed end facing up. For proper spacing, place Hyacinth and Daffodils 5-6 inches apart, tulips 4-5 inches apart and Crocus, Scilla, and Grape Hyacinth 2-3 inches apart.
• Cover and Water: Gently cover the bulbs with soil, press firmly and water them thoroughly.
• Mulching: In late Fall, cover the soil with 2-3 inches of shredded wood mulch to protect the bulbs through the winter.

Pro Tip for Maximum Impact

For stunning visual effect, plant bulbs in groups of 12 or more. Mass plantings of a single color create a vibrant, eye-catching display in your spring garden.

For more detailed instructions, check out our planting information or video on How to Plant Fall Bulbs. If you have any questions, visit your local Earl May Garden Center for expert advice!