Springtime in Georgia is synonymous with chirping birds, crisp, green grass, and bright pops of color dotting the landscape. Early spring flowers reward gardeners for fall lawn maintenance and protecting their plants from winter frosts. But sunny, idyllic gardens have to start somewhere, and that somewhere is fall bulb planting. Tulips, daffodils, and hyacinth are spilling off the shelves and into shopping carts, gardening magazines, and your spring garden plans. Before you start digging, refresh your memory on spring-blooming bulbs basics.

A Time for Bulbs
Why is it necessary to plant spring bulbs in the fall? The reason is two-fold: dormancy and root growth. While most plants enter their dormant periods in the cooler months, spring-blooming bulbs are already dormant. Fall bulbs need the chill of winter to awaken and bloom properly when the world starts to thaw. Fall planting also gives bulbs time to establish and strengthen their roots. Plants anchor into the soil during the colder months when the stalk, leaves, and flowers wither, redirecting nutrients to the roots. Plants with strong, well-spread roots grow heartier, healthier blooms when warm weather hits. Keep an eye on your Smyrna thermostat when planting this fall. The time for fall bulb planting ranges from mid October to early December, but if you plant before the temperature levels off below 60 degrees, your blooms may spoil before spring.

Preparing Your Spring Flowerbed
Fall bulbs are unfussy plants. Proper drainage, good nutrition, and cool temperatures are all they need to thrive. Choose a flowerbed that will receive full sunlight in the spring and design your garden before digging in. Nestle your bulbs into the earth and cover firmly with several inches of soil. Fertilize just after planting, and mulch your bulbs to protect the plant from storms and wildlife. Rainfall provides sufficient moisture, so all you need to worry about is keeping your flowerbed free of weeds while your bulbs establish in their new homes.

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