Vibe-Fall-2024 - Flipbook - Page 14
PLANTING BULBS IN THE FALL
PLANNING A DISPLAY?
Bulbs are a great way to ensure a pop of
color in the spring before the rest of your
garden gets started.
Take note of the plant height and color
when planting your bulbs. For example,
tulips in the back, as they are the tallest,
then daffodils in the middle, and hyacinth
in the front, which will create a sloping
effect while showcasing all blooms.
• Mid to late fall, before the ground freezes,
is a great time to plant bulbs such as tulips,
daffodils, and hyacinth.
• In an area that gets lots of sun, turn the
soil to reduce compaction and create space
for the bulbs, then scoop soil with a trowel.
Photo courtesy of
www.longfield-gardens.com
You can buy a mixed-color pack of some
bulbs, or single colors, which you can use to
plant either in clumps or spread out as you
desire. Just make sure to give your bulbs 1
to 3 inches of space in between plantings.
• Plant tulips and daffodils around 6 inches
deep and hyacinths 4 to 6 inches deep with
the roots facing down, then cover with soil.
compost pile, ask your local farmer if they have a surplus
for purchase, or visit your local garden supplier. A good
quality compost should be light, crumbly, and have an
earthy aroma. Cover your weeded, pruned, and cleaned
out beds with 1 to 3 inches of compost, depending on the
garden’s needs, and till in with a metal rake.
COVER YOUR BEDS
Leaving the soil bare to the winter elements can cause
erosion and compaction. After you’ve amended the soil,
covering your beds is another important step. There are
plenty of options for covering your beds:
Mulch: Great for protection, erosion, and weed control.
Apply 2 to 4 inches to the top of the soil and spread with
a rake.
Leaves: You can use all the leaves raked from your yard
as a natural mulch that will infuse your soil with added
nutrients. To access more of these nutrients and speed
up the decomposition process, run over your leaf pile
with a lawnmower to chop the leaves into smaller pieces
before spreading on your garden.
Photo courtesy of www.farmprogress.com
Straw, wood chips, and pine needles are other good
options for natural mulch. Make sure to get straw, as
opposed to hay, as there is less seed in it, and choose
organic straw (as it should be free of pesticides).
GARDENER’S NOTE:
After you’ve cleaned out your garden and amended and
protected the soil, make sure to put your tools away, drain
and wrap up any hoses, and remove sprinklers from the
gardens. This will preserve them from the elements and
help them last longer. Clean out any planters or pots and
organize your shed or storage space for next year.
By taking some extra time in the fall, you can enjoy the
winter months knowing that springtime will bring
healthy soil and an easier start to the season.
14
Photo courtesy of Stephanie Rose/Garden Therapy
MWVvibe.com
