Q: I’ve heard fall is the time to plant spring-flowering bulbs. What should I know to get started here in Carroll County?
A: Yes! Fall is absolutely the right time to plant those spring-blooming bulbs. It might feel a little backwards, thinking about spring flowers just as the weather’s cooling down, but planting now gives your bulbs the time they need to settle in and get ready for a strong start next year.
Here in Zone 8A, we’re lucky to have mild winters that are just right for a bunch of classic bulbs. Daffodils are a top pick. They’re tough, reliable, and critter-resistant, so they usually don’t tempt the deer that tend to wander through your yard. Hyacinths are another favorite, with their bright colors and sweet scent. They’re great for planting near porches or paths where you can really enjoy the scent while they’re blooming.
Crocuses are small but mighty, popping up early in the season with cheerful little blooms that let you know spring is on the way. And if you’re looking for something a bit more elegant, Dutch irises are a beautiful choice that do especially well in our climate.
When you’re picking a spot to plant, look for somewhere that gets plenty of sun, at least six hours a day. And whatever you do, don’t plant in soggy soil! Bulbs need good drainage, or they’ll rot over the winter. If your soil leans heavy on the clay side, try mixing in some compost or planting in raised beds or containers to give them a better chance.
For planting, a good rule of thumb is to plant each bulb about three times as deep as it is tall. So if a bulb is two inches tall, plant it about six inches deep. Make sure the pointy side is facing up, but don’t stress if you can’t tell, because most bulbs are pretty good at figuring it out. After planting, give them a good watering to help settle the soil. You won’t need to keep watering unless we hit a dry spell. A layer of mulch on top helps keep the weeds down and protects the bulbs from temperature swings.
If you really want to make a showy impact, plant bulbs in bunches instead of rows. Odd-numbered groupings tend to look a little more natural. And if you mix early, mid, and late season bloomers all together, you’ll get color that lasts all spring long.
So go ahead and get your hands a little dirty — your spring self will thank you when those first bright blooms start popping up after a long winter. Happy planting!
Looking to learn more about gardening? Attend our container gardening class on Nov. 10 at 6 pm. Contact the UGA Extension office to register. If you have gardening questions, contact a Master Gardener Extension Volunteer at the UGA Extension office located at the Carroll County Ag Center, 900 Newnan Road in Carrollton at call 770-836-8546, via email at ccmg@uga.edu.
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