If you’re looking forward to seeing beautiful spring flowers in your garden, you’ll need to start planting early. While most homeowners complete garden maintenance in warmer weather, fall is actually one of the best planting seasons. Review this guide to discover why you should plant your spring bulbs as the weather cools down. 

Why You Should Plant Spring Bulbs in the Fall

1. Cooler Soil Temperatures

Warm soil allows roots to grow at faster rates and contains healthy microorganisms that are beneficial to your bulbs. However, if the soil is too warm and moist, you may notice mildew and rotting.

When the weather cools down in the fall, the soil retains water without the humidity. This allows the roots to drink up as much water and nutrients as possible before going dormant.

2. Dormancy Period

Dormancy, or chilling, in plant bulbs is described as a period in which cold weather triggers growth but prevents the embryo from surfacing. Without a chilling period, some bulbs are tricked into thinking that it’s spring. This causes the plant to grow prematurely with a weak root system and smaller blooms. 

Planting bulbs in the fall gives the plant time to grow a stronger root system so that it can efficiently store nutrients and protect against frost in the winter. In the spring, it also won’t need to focus as much on growing roots. This allows the plant to produce more beautiful flowers.

3. Reduced Pest Infestations

Most insects thrive in warm or hot weather, making bulbs vulnerable to damage from infestations. While there are ways to keep pests at bay through regular garden maintenance, avoiding them altogether is a better solution. Many destructive insects are less active during the fall, and some even hibernate throughout the season. This gives your bulbs a chance to grow without being disturbed or eaten.

 

If you’re concerned about garden maintenance, contact the team at Nelson Plant Food in Bellville, TX. With over 35 years of experience, this family-owned company provides custom-blended plant fertilizers at affordable prices. They also provide quality testing services for professional growers, including water and soil analyses. Their ColorStar products are perfect for providing the nutrients your plants need to thrive. Visit them online for more information about these services, or call (979) 865-8596 to speak with a team member today.