SPRINGTIME PREP: Now is the time to plant and prepare for healthy gardens in the spring. / Photo courtesy of http://www.flowers.vg/garden/flowers.htm.

Dreaming of a beautiful spring garden? Plant bulbs now

By Katie Wall

October 15, 2007 | The vibrant and rich colors of orange, red and yellow come alive as fall arrives here in Cache Valley. Winter is coming quicker than we know and then it will be time for spring planting. Wait! Fall is a season for planting too! Planting isn't only for the spring time. Now is the perfect time to ensure your yard to have bright gorgeous daffodils, tulips, and other early bloomers for spring.

Craig Aston, a professor at Utah State University, has been teaching in the Plant, Soils, and Biometeorology Department for 23 years. Aston said it's a common misconception thinking spring is the only and best time for planting. He indicates fall is actually the best time to plant trees, shrubs and spring bulbs.

Bulbs do not take up very much space and can add so much color to your yard. Start planting bulbs right now before it freezes. Bulbs need to take in as much liquid as possible during the winter to store energy for those spring blossoms. By the end of the long winter season that we Loganites often endure, we are anxiously waiting for warmer temperatures and what better way to guarantee a beautiful early spring than planting those bulbs now.

Aston said different areas of the world are sectioned off by zones that are determined by how cold it gets in that particular area and Cache Valley is classified in zone four.

Joseph Davenport, an employee at Tony's Grove nursery said, "The lower the number the colder the climate." Davenport also said it is possible to plant different zones here in Cache Valley if one strategically places the plant or tree where it will be somewhat protected from the cold weather. A good example of this is the Japanese maple trees by Old Main. Japanese maple trees are actually for zone five or six but are able to stay alive from the protection of the surrounding buildings.

Out of all the bulbs, crocuses bloom the earliest. Bulbs usually stay in bloom for two weeks or until they have been pollinated, said Davenport. Tulips and daffodils are more popular and most commonly bloom a couple of weeks after crocuses. Davenport also said there are variations of bulbs that are classified as early, mid and late spring bulbs.

Davenport said the average price of a single bulb is just under a dollar. "If you are paying more than a dollar for a single bulb, you are paying too much," he said.

Aston suggests the depth of the bulb should be planted four times the size of the bulb. Planting the bulb so deep is important to allow their roots to spread and soak up moisture as well as allowing room for other perennials to be planted on top of them.

Another tip from Aston is he likes to plant his tulips in what he describes "islands of color." Aston does this so they don't become too overcrowded with the regular spring flowers. The larger bulb the better blossom you will usually get, says Davenport. After the blossoms have fallen and the leaves start to turn yellow or brown, it is safe to cut off the old stems at ground level to remain dormant until the fall season where they begin to obtain energy and nutrients for the following spring season, he said.

Another great aspect to fall planting is most stores have their trees, shrubs and plants on sale because their big season is coming to an end. Tony's Grove has many plants and trees on sale right now. To obtain more information and a great garden plan for fall bulb planting visit this site: Planting Bulbs .

Aston also owns a landscaping business that gives horticulture students great opportunities for experience and internships. Last year's famous Extreme Makeover Home Edition came to Logan and his business did all the landscaping for the house.

Snow has already dusted the mountain peaks and let's face it, fall is here and it is time for planting. Don't put away those gardening gloves and tools just yet. There is still time to get down and dirty.

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