October 2011

Tulip bulbs which bring us beautiful and colorful spring flowers need to be planted in autumn. Your tulip bulbs do not necessarily need to be planted in the ground; they can also be planted in pots or containers.

Tulips need to be planted anytime between the months of September and December; depending on the climate zone you live in will be approximately 30 days before a heavy frost. Where you plant the bulbs is also very important; they should have about 6 hours of sun in order to accumulate enough energy for the next year's blossoms. They should also be planted in soil that drains well to avoid bulb rot.

There are a few garden tips for the winter months that should not be overlooked. These garden tips are not just for your garden, they also include your lawn and landscaping, garden tools, and your feathered friends. Some of the tips will all depend on where you live and the types of winters you have to endure. If you live in Southern Regions with very mild winters you may not need to bring plants indoors.

For your garden you want to bring indoors all the plants that are tender such as any tropical plants that you have in containers. You can re-pot them if need be and display them in a room that receives sufficient sunlight. You can take clippings from your annuals to start new plants to transplant next spring. Dig up any of the summer-or fall-blooming bulbs that need to be stored, now go ahead and plant some spring-flowering bulbs such as tulips. Be sure to plant them with the roots down even if they have started to sprout on the top. If you have a perennial border place roughly 2 to 4 inches of mulch around the plants for added protection. You can leave any ornamental grasses intact by not cutting them back; this will impel the birds to come for a visit.

Fall planting, in most of the United States, is the best time for planting the cool season vegetables and perennials. Fall planting is also better for those deciduous and evergreen shrubs and trees. As the summer growing season comes to an end you can start preparing for next year's garden. Fall is a great time for planning and planting the beginnings of a new spring garden. Most of us only think about planting during the spring.

The official beginning of fall starts in late September with the autumnal equinox, but the cooler weather differs significantly from one section of the country to another. For this reason the best time for planting in the fall is generally about 6 weeks before a hard frost hits. In some of the northern sections of our country, the best time for planting may even during late summer. Generally speaking the opportunistic time for planting for those living in the remainder of the country is in September and October.