Adventures in Late Fall Bulb Planting

Every year I say I’m going to plant bulbs early enough in the fall season so that my fingers are not freezing off as I’m planting bulbs in the soil. Last year I had high hopes, but come November 1 I still had not gottten around to planting due to a combination of busy work days and busy mom nights. By the weekend of Thanksgiving we were looking at temps that were freezing the soil here in the upper midwest and snow starting to stick on the ground. I knew I’d be in a chilly situation despite my best intentions.

If you haven’t planted yet, no worries! You still have time! There are a couple of extra supplies you’ll need including 1) a warm coat and 2) a hot cup of your favorite beverage of choice. 

Last year I planted daffodil and tulip bulbs in semi-frozen soil. This had a couple of advantages. First, I was pulling up soil in giant wedges, planting and then putting the frozen soil wedge back into place which made it much easier than piles of soil that spill into my grass. Second, I worked fast and focused because I was cold.

Every challenge has a silver lining, especially in the garden. So if you haven’t planted yet, buy some bulbs and embrace the chill in the air because there’s still time to plant and it’s definitely worth it!