Planting Fall Bulbs for Spring Color

It's time to start thinking about spring in the garden. Bulbs planted now will be a welcome splash of color as winter finally comes to an end, but you have to prepare now to enjoy that treat.

What to Plant:
Thumbing through catalogs or browsing store shelves can present a mind-boggling array of choices, but don't overthink it. Just keep a couple of things in mind.

• Bloom time: Choose some early bloomers, some mid-season and some late spring bloomers for flowers week after week.
• Mix it up. A variety of types and colors really makes your garden bed pop, whether it is a formal arrangement, or a more naturalized look.
  
• Don't skimp. Bulbs look best when planted in masses, rather than ones and twos. So if you're planting a small area, limit your selection and buy enough of each to create a full look.

How to Plant:
Go ahead and plant your bulbs when you get them. That gives them time to develop roots before the ground gets too cold.

You can either make a hole for each bulb, with a bulb planter, or use a spade and dig up the whole area, place the bulbs, and then fill back in. Excavating the entire area makes it easy to loosen and amend the base before adding and covering the bulbs.

Refer to the packaging for instructions on how deep to plant your bulbs.

Where to Plant:
Sun to partial shade is best. Keep in mind that areas that are shaded now may have plenty of sun in the spring before trees leaf out.