PEORIA, Ill. — Horticulture expert at the University of Illinois Extension, Kelly Alsup, said October is a good time to plant spring-flowering bulbs such as tulips and daffodils.
Bulbs do thrive in full sun, but they can also be planted in a garden’s more shady spots.
Alsup said that grape hyacinth, crocus, winter aconite, snow drops, and siberian squill can all be grown under deciduous trees and shrubs.
According to Alsup, you shouldn’t plant in soil that is too wet or has poor drainage. She recommends a tool to make the job easier.
“I think those hand bulb planters that you can get in the industry really are quite hard to use, so I’d much rather just use a shovel,” Alsup said.
Alsup also recommends using an auger that attaches to your drill to dig holes.
“Rather than planting six bulbs, plant sixteen bulbs to make more of an impact,” Alsup said.
Bulbs are normally planted twice as deep as the bulb is tall.
