Fall Into Bulb Season
Your guide to planting garlic, tulips, daffodils and more.
Fall might be the season of pumpkins, mums and changing leaves, but it's also an important planting season.
Many bulbs are meant to go into the ground now, giving them time to establish roots before winter and prepare for the growing season ahead.
If you've ever walked into a garden centre in the fall and wondered, “Why are they selling spring flowers right now?” — there's a very good reason.
Here's what you need to know.
Why Fall?
The Best Time to Plant Spring
Fall is an important planting season for many spring-flowering bulbs.
These bulbs need a period of cool temperatures before they can bloom. Planting them in the fall gives them time to develop roots while the soil is still workable.
Once winter arrives, the bulbs remain dormant underground. Then, as temperatures warm up, they're ready to grow and bloom.
Think of fall planting as giving your garden a head start.
Daffodils: A Spring Staple
Brighten Your Garden Before it Begins
Daffodils are a classic for a reason.
Their cheerful blooms are one of the first signs that winter is finally giving way to warmer weather, making them a favourite for gardens year after year.
They're also incredibly versatile.
Plant them in garden beds, along pathways, around trees or in naturalized areas for beautiful pops of colour.
And just like tulips, they're best planted in the fall.
Plant them now, and future-you will be very happy when they bloom.
Tulips: Plant a Little Joy
Your Garden Starts Here
Few things signal the arrival of spring quite like a garden filled with tulips.
And with so many colours, shapes and varieties to choose from, tulips give you plenty of opportunity to get creative.
Think about where you want those pops of colour to appear next year.
Want a bold display?
Plant bulbs in groups rather than scattering them individually throughout a garden bed.
Want colour that lasts longer?
Choose different varieties with different bloom times.
Want something unexpected?
Mix colours and shapes for a more natural, layered look.
The garden you're dreaming about starts with the bulbs you choose this fall.
Garlic Starts Here
Plant Now. Harvest Later.
Garlic is one of those crops that rewards a little patience.
Fall is the ideal time to plant garlic, allowing each clove to establish roots before winter. When spring arrives, the plants resume growing, eventually producing the garlic bulbs you'll harvest later in the season.
At Bradford Greenhouses, we carry a variety of garlic options, so you can experiment with different flavours and growing characteristics.
A Simple Way to Think About It:
One clove → one plant → one garlic bulb.
Plant your garlic this fall, give it the right growing conditions and you'll have something delicious to look forward to next year.
Plant it Right. Plant for Spring.
A Little Preparation Goes a Long Way
Once you've chosen your bulbs, it's time to get them into the ground.
Choose the Right Spot
Most bulbs prefer well-draining soil and plenty of sunlight, although specific requirements can vary by variety.
Prepare Your Soil
Loosen the soil and remove rocks, weeds and debris before planting.
Plant at the Right Depth
Follow the planting depth recommended for your specific bulb. Planting too shallow or too deep can affect how well it grows.
Point it Up
For most bulbs, the pointed end goes up and the roots go down.
Water After Planting
Give newly planted bulbs a good watering to help settle the soil and encourage root development.
Keep Squirrels Away
Want to help discourage squirrels from digging up your freshly planted bulbs? Consider adding a layer of blood and bone meal or hen manure around the planting area. These strong scents can help make the area less appealing to squirrels and other curious critters.
Plant for Impact
Don't just think about one bulb.
Think about the whole picture.
Plant groups of bulbs together. Combine different colours. Mix bloom times. Add bulbs throughout your garden beds for pops of colour that appear as winter fades away.
The more thoughtfully you plant this fall, the more beautiful your garden can be.
Your Fall Bulb Checklist
☐ Choose your bulbs
☐ Pick the right planting location
☐ Prepare your soil
☐ Plant at the recommended depth
☐ Water after planting
☐ Plan your colour combinations
☐ Get ready to enjoy the results next season
Ready to Fall Into Bulb Season
The best time to start planning your garden is now.
Stop by Bradford Greenhouses and explore our selection of garlic, tulips, daffodils and spring-flowering bulbs.
Plant a little something this fall that you'll be excited to see when the seasons change.
Plant Now. Enjoy Later.
There's something special about planting for a season you haven't even reached yet.
A little work now. A little patience through winter. And then, one day, colour starts appearing.
That's the magic of gardening.
Happy Gardening!
– Dorus & The Bradford Greenhouses Team
