By Katie Martin – Smith County Extension Agent
As summer fades and fall temperatures inch closer, my attention always turns to planting fall bulbs to establish spring blooms. When grey winter days have lasted for what can seem like months on end, beautiful spring flowers are always a welcome sight. If you are interested in adding bulbs to your landscape, there are a few easy steps you can take this fall to ensure spring success.
Selecting the right bulbs is the first step toward a colorful spring garden. In Tennessee, some popular choices for fall planting include tulips, daffodils, crocuses, and hyacinths. When buying bulbs, it’s best to purchase from a reputable dealer to ensure bulbs are high quality and free of disease. Consider the bloom time and height of each bulb variety when deciding on placement. A few of my personal favorite daffodil varieties include “Sir Winston Churchill,” “Replete,” and “Tahiti.” For tulips in the landscape, I prefer Darwin Hybrid varieties as they tend to perennialize better and come back more successfully year after year.
All bulbs thrive in well-drained soil with good sun exposure. Choose a spot in your garden that receives more than six hours of sunlight per day. Make sure the soil is well-draining to prevent bulb rot during the wetter months.
Generally, bulbs should be planted at a depth that is three times their diameter. More specific instructions can often be found on the packaging of the bulbs you have purchased. Keep an eye out for pests like squirrels and voles that may be tempted to dig up your newly-planted bulbs. Protective measures, such as wire mesh or repellent sprays, can help deter these critters.
If we can be of assistance when it comes to planting bulbs or any other home and garden topic, contact the UT Extension office at 615-735-2900 or check out our library of publications at smith.tennessee.edu.
