Spring is here, which means it's time to start planting bulbs that will bring new life and color to our gardens. There is something magical about planting bulbs…you put them in the ground, cover them with dirt, and then a few weeks later their stocks emerge! It is such a satisfying and miraculous event!
If you live near a Costco store, check out their bulb selection. They are usually well priced and I’ve had good results with their bulbs in the past. If the quantities are too much for your space…shop with a friend and mix and match your selections!
Are you new to planting bulbs, don't worry – it's easier than you might think, and the results are definitely worth it! Follow along for easy instructions.
Spring 2023 Plantings
I’m planting 4 different bulb varieties this year. Two shade lovers and two sun lovers.
For the shaded areas of our garden, I'll be planting white and dark purple trillium, and magenta astilbe. These plants thrive in the cool, shaded areas and add a delicate beauty to any garden or yard.
photo credit: Longfield.com
Photo credit: Longfield.com
Trilliums are a woodland plant and feature vibrant white or red petals that contrast with their dark green leaves and shaded backdrop. They grow 10-12 inches tall and will multiply over time.
Photo credit: Longfield.com
Astilbe is the other shade-loving plant that produces beautiful feathery blooms in shades of pink, red, and white and will make a nice backdrop to the shorter trillium. They attract butterflies and are perfect addition to any flower arrangement.
In the sunny areas of my garden, I'll be planting purple liatris and two varieties of pink phlox. I’m pairing these two plants together in our garden because of the contrast of bloom shape and foliage textures.
“Liatris is an easy, long-lived perennial with wands of fuzzy, violet-pink flowers. This North America native is also known as blazing star and its nectar attracts a wide variety of butterflies. The late summer blooms are good companion for lilies, rudbeckia, dahlias and asters. A long-lasting cut flower, too.” ~ Longfield.com
“Phlox are long-lived, trouble-free perennials that produce big clusters of colorful, fragrant flowers. This pair of berry-colored phlox will make your garden a popular stop for hummingbirds and butterflies. You can look forward to lots of flowers for summer bouquets. Compact height is great for flower beds or containers.”~Longfield.com
How to Plant Bulbs
Once you’ve purchased your bulbs, it’s time to start planting! Follow the instructions on the packet or label for spacing and depth of each bulb. Make sure they are planted in a location with enough light and in an area that won’t be disturbed by weeding or other garden maintenance. And…be sure to plant them right side up! If you are not sure…google it!
Helpful Planting Tip! I use an auger that is attached to a cordless drill to dig holes. This is a game changer for planting! No more hand digging!
After the hole is drilled, I place a hand full of compost in the bottom of each hole until the bulb is at the recommended depth.
Cover the bulb with dirt and use a craft stick to mark its location so you don’t accidentally disturb it with future plantings. (speaking from experience of planting over top of bulbs I’ve forgotten I planted)
Sprinkle a little time release fertilizer around the hole to give the bulbs a boost and then water.
Once your bulbs have been planted, the waiting game begins! You may not see any signs of life for weeks but soon enough the stems will start to emerge and the flowers will bloom.
With a little patience and some TLC, you will be rewarded with a beautiful spring garden full of vibrant colors and fragrances.
My long term gardening goals are to fill every space in the beds with flowers so that weeds can not find an opening to grow! Bulbs are sort of a “one and done” item that will help achieve that goal! Plant them once and they will return every year!
PS: I recently came across this book at a thrift store and I love it! Thought you might love it as well!
Tested and approved!
This is hands down one of my favorite gardening tools and