Guest Author - Nikki Phipps

As fall approaches, and it’s nearly here, it is time to think about the cool months ahead. Now is the ideal time to begin getting the garden ready for the winter, which includes planting those spring bulbs. Spring-flowering bulbs like tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, and crocuses are generally planted during the fall. Spend your spare time scouring catalogs for these and other great spring bulbs to add to the garden. Spring bulbs require a cool dormancy period, which the cold temperatures of winter can easily provide. Unbeknownst to many is the fact that you can also plant summer bulbs during fall as well, provided that you reside in a warmer climate of course. Planting these bulbs too will allow them plenty of time to establish. Well established bulbs will provide longer lasting blooms and lots of them, as they’re roots are stronger. So why wait for spring if you don’t have to. You’ll already be planting them anyway, right?

Planting bulbs is one of the best and least expensive ways to fill the garden with an endless supply of colorful blooms. Bulbs come in many forms, some with flowers, and some without. Nonetheless, they are all stunning and make noteworthy specimens in nearly any garden. Once you get all your bulb planting done, don’t forget about fall cleanup and winter preparation. This includes pulling weeds, deadheading and pruning plants, or whatever else needs sprucing up before the cold weather arrives. Now is also a good time to make changes to your garden design, if necessary, or prepare new beds for next season. In order to get the garden ready for its long winter’s nap, apply a generous layer of mulch to help insulate the garden. If you have any outdoor furniture, go ahead and clean it up and think about winter storage.

Another good idea for keeping busy this fall is by keeping a journal. Add thoughts, ideas, and other interesting notes. If you happen across any cool new garden projects, consider adding these as well. By the time spring rolls around, you’ll be ready to implement these into the garden. Fall is also a good time to read up on different bulb varieties and their special needs. Don’t be afraid to experiment with new bulbs. As long as you provide them with the proper growing conditions, there’s no reason why you can’t grow a variety of bulb species. So take the extra time that winter affords to thoroughly research these extraordinary plants. Once spring returns and bulb gardening is once again under way, you won’t be sorry.