Fall is in full bloom! The Black Hills are rolling with foliage filled with warm and striking orange, red, and yellow hues. It may be easy to bid farewell to your gardening plans with Fall’s arrival by hanging up your garden hoe, but that is furthest from the truth. This is the perfect time to prepare your garden for Spring’s bloom. As we know, South Dakota is well-known for its frigid Winters, providing bulbs with prime climate conditions where they will chill long enough to develop strong and healthy blooms from below the ground and up.
When to Plant Your Bulbs
Winter is coming whether we like it or not, and South Dakota Winters, as we know, can get COLD. In areas with colder Winters, fall bulbs should be planted as soon as the ground gets cool or when the evening temperatures consistently range between 40° - 50° F. As long as the ground is still workable/DIGable, you can still plant your bulbs in early to mid-fall. Just keep in mind that the later you plant, the shorter the root establishment period will be.
If necessary, you can store your bulbs for a month or longer as long as you keep them in a cool, dry place. Larger bulbs often produce more flowers, so don’t be shy
Choosing Your Bulb
You are the ultimate artist of your tapestry of vibrant Spring blooms. When it comes to choosing the right bulbs, think about what you want to see blooming in your garden come Spring. Popular fall bulbs include tulips, crocuses, snowdrops, daffodils, and hyacinths. Consider your personal preferences, the color scheme you’d like, and the variety of the bulbs’ bloom times.
While selecting your bulbs, ensure that they are firm and healthy, free from any mold or blemishes. Remember that, sometimes, size matters. Larger bulbs often produce more significant flowers, so don’t skimp out on size if you’re looking for an ornate display.
Fall Bulb Planting 101
It doesn’t take a gardening genius to master the art of fall bulb planting. We are here to provide you with the basic steps in providing your bulbs with a cozy home for this upcoming winter season.
- Find the perfect spot: Bulbs prefer well-drained soil and full or partial shade. Make sure to plant them in an area with good air circulation.
- Dig deep: It is recommended that you dig a hole two to three times the height of the bulb you’re planting. Add some compost or organic matter to improve the soil’s fertility.
- Plant pointy side UP: Most bulbs have a pointed side (the top) and a flat side (the bottom). Plant them with the pointed side facing up to ensure proper growth allowing the roots to extend deeper into the Earth. If you can’t figure out which side is up, plant them sideways – in most cases, the flower will still find its way topside.
- Soil over and water once: Once the bulbs are in the ground, gently fill up the hole. Be sure not to pack the soil as you will want to leave your bulbs some breathing room for growth. Water once after your bulbs are secured (it is not necessary to water your bulbs over the winter months unless you live in an arid/dry climate).
- Mulch for insulation: Apply a layer of mulch over the planting area to help insulate and protect the bulbs from extreme temperatures.
Fall in Love with Your Spring Garden!
Think big, bright, and bold while you are planting your garden of bulb-tastic brilliance. The possibilities are endless when planting/designing your spring garden. Plant your flower bulbs in clusters enhancing your garden with a concentrated and vibrant display. Create dimension by planting low-growing bulbs in front of taller bulbs. Bulb your borders by planting bulbs along the borders of your garden’s pathways, creating an animated and fragrant passage.
Don’t forget that Jolly Lane Greenhouse is always here to back you up on your gardening ventures. We’ve got plenty of bulbs and essential tools as well as an entire crew that will guide you and your spring garden towards the path of landscaping excellence!
Stay Tuned for Our Holiday Open House
The holiday season is just around the corner, and at Jolly Lane Greenhouse, we’re thrilled to invite you to our merry Holiday Open House! It’s a festive celebration you do not want to miss! Coming November 24th-26th!