Now is the time to start thinking about your spring garden. If you like to have tulips, daffodils, hyacinth and irises in your spring garden, now is when you need to pick up those bulbs or order from trusted sources like Brecks or one of my favorite garden sources, Terrain. Look for bulbs that have a jumbo head and are from Holland. These bulbs will produce the best blooms. I’ve tried to Costco version in a pinch, they simply don’t compare.
How-to:
In cooler climates, plant 4″-6″ deep after the first frosts typically around Thanksgiving. In warmer climates like California, trick your bulbs into thinking they are underground by placing them in a paper bag in your refrigerator for 6 weeks. Blooms typically begin to appear in late February in milder climates, later in early spring in colder climates.
Living in California, I help myself remember it’s time to start thinking about spring bulbs right after Halloween. Getting them in my fridge in time to plant before Christmas ensures a lovely spring show of flowers. You can do all one color or mix them up for a colorful display. If in doubt, more is more with tulips. They look best when planted by the dozens.
You can read more gardening tips for raised beds, planting veggies, and fresh fall planters.
