One of the surest signs that warmer weather is really here is when tulips, daffodils and crocuses start popping up in yards and parks around Maine. The bright pops of color are always a welcome sight in the spring. If you’d like to add some early color to your gardens, the fall is the best time to plant bulbs. Do the work now and enjoy the fruits of your labor in the spring!
What To Plant
Tulips and daffodils are popular choices for bulb flowers that bloom early in the spring. You probably know that tulips come in many different bright colors, but did you know daffodils are also available in more colors than just the classic yellow? Both are good options for the edge of lawns, along walkways, or for a full garden bed that you want to really pop with color as soon as possible.
Crocuses are a shorter spring-blooming flower that will spread over the course of years. They are a good choice for planting in areas where you are okay with having flowers spread widely. Because they are a shorter flower, it is a good idea to plant them in clusters rather than a widely spread out line so the group of flowers is more easily seen. Planting groups of crocuses in front of daffodils or tulips can create a stunning visual impact that brightens your landscape soon after the snow melts.
How To Plant Tulips, Daffodils & Crocuses
Tulips, daffodils and crocuses all require well-drained soil to grow, though they will all grow either in full sun or partial shade. To plant, dig holes that are 2-3 inches deeper than the bulb is tall and leave a few inches between bulbs. Sprinkle some fertilizer in the hole, then, place the bulb in the hole with the pointy side up and cover with soil. Water well, but don’t soak the soil to the point where the bulb will be sitting in water for any length of time.
It’s important not to plant too early in the fall – wait until the soil has cooled down to sixty degrees or so. Bulbs won’t take root in warm soil. You can start planting bulbs in September and continue all the way until the ground is too tough to work. Bulbs need to be planted in the fall because they won’t bloom unless they have been through a period of cold weather.
Want Professional Landscaping Help?
If you’d like to have a yard blooming with flowers in the spring, but don’t have the time to plan out your landscaping, do fall clean-up and get bulbs in the ground, AC Yard Services is here to help. Give us a call at (207) 712-5554 to talk with our team.
