Planting bulbs in the fall will produce vibrant spring colour in full bloom..

Always remember that animals are forging for food in the Fall. Planting bulbs in the fall, such as daffodils, allium, hyacinths and muscari, will not result in them being eaten by critters. However, they do love to eat tulips and crocuses.

Fall is the ideal time to plant your garlic. Organic garlic is touted as the very best and healthiest by professional chefs. These as well as other bulbs and ornamental grasses can go in the ground over the next few weeks and produce a stunning and dramatic presentation in the spring.

Proper Position and Well-drained Soil

Usually you plant a bulb with the pointed part up and the hairy side down.If in doubt about the right side up for your bulb, plant it on its side.

The most common complaint about planting bulbs in the fall is that they fail to come up due to the fact that the soil is too wet.

The soil in the Fraser Valley can be heavy with excess moisture.Too much moisture can cause bulbs to rot. Snow can also compact soil over bulbsmaking blooming difficult too.

Till the soil and then add a layer of organic compost or peat moss to the bottom of the holes where the bulbs will go. Let it sit for a few days for the soil to absorb the nutrients.

Don’t Plant Too Early 

Daffodil bulbs should be planted no earlier than mid-October.Wait a few more weeks before putting in tulips. With global warming, bulbs can be tricked into blooming in the fall — and then won’t flower in spring.

Be Sure to Plant Where There is Enough Sun

When manufacturers say bulbs require full sun, that means at least six hours of direct sun per day.

Some bulbs are bred for partial sun and others for shady environments. Follow the directions on the package. 

Plant Bulbs in the Fall to Proper Depth

Generally, you should plant fall bulbs three times as deep as the width of the bulb. Usually about 6 inches deep. Squirrels and deer will have a very convenient little buffet if the bulbs are planted too shallow.

Don’t Spread the Bulbs Out Too Much

Plant bulbs at least an inch apart. Have some fun with the placement of your flowers by planting the bulbs in a triangle or a circle shape and keep them in a cluster.

Check the zone

Make sure the when planting bulbs in the Fall, that they are hardy to the right zone. Many are marked three through eight inclusive, which means they can be planted just about anywhere in Canada.

Don’t Over-fertilize

Too much fertilizer can lead to rotten or diseased bulbs.

Fertilize once in fall or late spring with a low-nitrogen fertilizer, or top them with compost. You can massage the compost into the soil with gloved hands.

Let Plants Die Naturally

In the spring, let plants die naturally. They are going dormant and storing food. Premature pulling or clipping can weaken the bulbs.

You may want to label where your bulbs are. Use a marker, like a popsicle stick, so you don’t accidentally dig them up at a later time when you are planting bulbs in the Fall.