This past Monday was the Autumnal Equinox—the first day of fall for the Northern Hemisphere. In the Southern Hemisphere, it’s the first day of Spring. From now until December 21 (the Winter Solstice), each day will be approximately two minutes shorter.
This is the Perfect Time to Plant Spring Bulbs
But there is something you can do to ensure your spring is beautiful and something to look forward to. Now is the perfect time to plant spring-blooming bulbs, such as tulips, daffodils, and crocuses. Here are some tips for success.
Tulips
Tulips are native to the mountains of Turkey and Russia. This means they HATE our hot summers! To be the most successful with these beauties, plant them in full sun and, I don’t care what the package says, here go 10 inches deep! Yes, most packages will say six or eight inches, but because they don’t do well in heat, planting deeper here will protect them a bit from our hot summers. This also gives you another advantage. Because tulips are edible to deer and squirrels, if you plant them ten inches deep, you can plant daffodil or hyacinths bulbs right on top at 6 inches and, because critters don’t like them, they will offer some protection to the tulips!
Daffodils
Daffodils (some people call them jonquils) prefer part-sun but don’t need full sun. They’re critter-proof so deer don’t eat them and squirrels won’t bother the bulbs. Just plant them six inches deep in a well-drained spot and enjoy!
Crocus
I’m not a winter fan so I love flowers that bloom early and remind me winter’s almost over. There are two kinds of crocus—regular or Mammoth crocus, and snow crocus which can bloom as much as a month earlier than regular crocus. Plant them 4 inches deep anywhere you want late winter color.
Hyacinths
They brighten up mid-spring with gorgeous incredibly fragrant flowers and they’re another one that’s critter-proof. Plant them six inches deep where you’ll be able to bend down and enjoy their fragrance!
So Many More Bulbs to Choose From
There are LOTS more bulbs to choose from—alliums (ornamental members of the onion family—critter-proof), delicate early blooming snowdrops, bearded iris (beautiful late spring bloomers), etc.
Yes, it’s a little bit of work now but the rewards in the spring are a rainbow of colors.