Fall has arrived both on the calendar and with cooler days and nights. The trees are changing colour, and the geese and cranes are heading south.
If you have not yet planted your fall bulbs, it is time to do so. You should still be able to pick some up locally, primarily daffodils, tulips, crocuses and maybe grape hyacinths. Species tulips, squills and fritillaries may be harder to find.
Crocuses and squills can be planted in the lawn. Use a shovel to lift up a section of turf, scatter some bone meal, then scatter a handful of bulbs. Plant them where they land, pointy end up, water, and replace the turf.
By the time you need to mow in spring, they will have bloomed. They will come up year after year if they like the soil and conditions. They don’t like applications of weed killers. The small species crocus work best, while the larger, showier crocus may only last a couple of years.
Small bulbs also do well in the garden, along with tulips, daffodils and grape hyacinth. Plant following package directions. Squirrels like to dig up and eat tulip bulbs, but will not touch daffodils which are poisonous. Use bone meal when planting, and water the newly planted bulbs.
Daffodils come in a variety of sizes and forms, some being hardier than others. They will come up year after year and do not need to be divided.
Tulips come in different varieties, some lasting only two or three years while a few will last longer, but they tend to decrease in size. Tulips planted deeper last longer.
To deter squirrels, you can cover the planted area with chicken wire and cover with just enough dirt to hide the wire. Bulbs planted now will grow roots until the soil freezes.
Bulbs can also be planted in pots to be enjoyed indoors in early spring. Small bulbs can be planted in shallow containers, whereas larger bulbs need
deeper containers.
All containers need holes in the bottom for drainage. Use a good potting mix, a bit of bone meal and water the newly planted bulbs. They do not need to be planted as deeply as in the garden.
Place the pots in a cool dark area, even a fridge if you do not have a cool spot in the basement or garage. Do not allow them to dry out, but do not keep
them wet.
There is often still good moisture lower in the pot when the top two or three inches are dry. Cool air slows the drying process. After 12 weeks they can be brought out into warmth and light, and with regular watering you will soon have spring in your home.
Horticulturalist Mary Wright has lived in Denare Beach for over 20 years. She shares her passion for gardening with Flin Flon readers in The Reminder.
