Spring has finally arrived! Many of us can’t wait to go outside and enjoy the first summer-like days. But before you can really enjoy the most beautiful spring days, it’s time to ensure your garden is ready. Summer proof your garden can be done in many ways, but planting new flowers is the most favourite method. But how do you plant new spring flower bulbs? Which time is right? Here are 3 beginner tips for planting new flower bulbs.

Make sure the bulbs are healthy

Before planting new flower bulbs, make sure they are healthy. When you buy tulip bulbs for sale, you are able to save lots of money. But don’t go with a cheap bulb when the quality isn’t right. Luckily most tulip bulbs on sale are of high quality, but there are also some who aren’t as great. That’s why you need to take a careful look at the bulbs before you buy or plant hem.

Are they healthy looking? Free of bruises or mold? Are they firm and dry? Is the answer ‘no?’ Then go ahead and choose others. The chances are that they won’t grow or come up at all. If you see unhealthy tulip bulbs in a store or if you received them at home, the best thing you can do is tell the owner or contact the company and exchange them. Do not take the time to plant them against all odds, because the chances are slim they will actually flourish.

The right time

Planting your flower bulbs at the right time is the most important thing you need to do. Especially when you want to enjoy this beautiful flowers in the (early) spring. Many bulbs will need 16 to 18 weeks to emerge the following spring. You’ll need to plant them in the fall or early winter, before the ground freezes.

In some cases it’s possible to plant them in early spring. By example, this is the case with dutch tulip bulbs. If it’s very early spring and the weather is still cold, you can try to plant them. Sometimes they will bloom in late Spring.

You can also choose to chill your bulbs in the refrigerator when the weather outside is too warm already. When the refrigerated bulb has sprouted, you can take the plant outside. At this point it’s best when it’s still chilly outside but the sun will come through on occasion.

Take a look at the planting depth

The planting depth is very important to ensure growth. Most bulbs should be planted at twice the depth as the bulb is tall. But this isn’t always the case. That’s why you need to check the label or search on the internet for the right planting depth for your bulbs.