Be ready for spring by planting bulbs
this fall HOW TO DECIDE WHERE TO PLANT BULBS Flower bulbs don’t like wet areas. Avoid places where water sits, such as at the end of a downspout or the bottom of a hill. Make sure your bulbs get 6-8 hours of sun. Don’t forget, in the spring, many shady areas get plenty of sun before the trees bloom, allowing you to plant some of the earlier blooming bulbs. Group plants together to create solid areas of color. Make sure to purchase bulbs that are large and firm.
One of the first signs of spring in Minnesota has to be blooms popping up out of the cold earth, sometimes even emerging through snow. Once planted, these flower bulbs return year after year. But to enjoy this wonderful sight, you need to plan ahead, planting those bulbs in the fall. Bulbs need to be planted before the ground freezes. The best time for planting these flowers is between mid-September to mid-October, approximately 6-8 weeks before the ground freezes, when the evening temperatures are between 40 and 50 degrees. This allows them to develop a healthy root system.
HOW TO PLANT BULBS Your soil should be loose and workable after you prepare it. You can add some peat moss compost to help with the condition of the soil. Don’t forget to remove any weeds or rocks. Make sure to check the directions for how deep to plant your bulbs. Most large bulbs need to be around 8 inches deep with smaller ones planted about 5 inches deep. Bulbs should be planted with the pointed side up, although if you can’t figure out which is the right way, most flowers will still find a way to the top.
Fill the hole with dirt and lightly compress it, then water it thoroughly. It’s not necessary to water it continuously. Cover your plantings with 3-4 inches of mulch to insulate the ground. You can use dry leaves, grass clippings, hay or straw for your mulch. SPRING PREPARATION When spring returns, rake the mulch to expose the new shoots, but don’t get rid of it completely. You may need to put some back in case of a late frost. After your flowers have bloomed, cut
HARDY BULBS FOR ZONES 3-4 (COLD HARDINESS ZONES FOR MOST OF MINNESOTA) Purple allium Giant allium Greek anemone Glory of the snow Snow crocus Autumn crocus Trout lily, dogtooth violet Fritillaria, checkered lily Common snowdrop
20 Chicz September/October 2021
Hyacinth Tiger lily Grape hyacinth Daffodil Striped squill Tulip
back the stalks, but not the leaves. That greenery allows the bulbs to store enough energy to help them stay s t r o n g until the next season.
