When should spring bulbs be planted in this area? Do they need full sun?
Spring blooming bulbs need time over winter to establish a good root system before the ground freezes to produce blooms the first year. Early blooming bulbs such as daffodils, crocus, and hyacinths should
be planted before mid-October. If cold weather is late coming to your area, as late as Thanksgiving may also work. In most cases, planting late will not harm the bulbs but they may bloom late or not at all in the first year. Bulbs that bloom later, such as tulips and alliums, need to be planted later, in late October to mid-November, if the ground is not frozen. In a pinch, these may be planted in December, as late as the 31st, if the ground is not frozen, but they may bloom later.
In general, when planting spring bulbs, the soil temperature should be 55 degrees Fahrenheit or below to ensure the bulbs don’t start sprouting or rotting before the winter freeze. They also prefer well-drained soil and should be watered only once after planting. Most bulbs prefer full sun, however, and will do fine in partial shade or under deciduous trees before the leaves have fully emerged.
When is the best time to plant mums?
That depends on what type of mums you will be planting. There are two types of mums sold, garden mums and florist mums. Garden mums, known as hardy mums, are almost always sold in the spring, and will provide long-term perennial growth and color for many years. These should be planted in late spring, April to June. Hardy mums have a better chance of survival if planted early to develop the best root system possible. Florist mums, which are generally not winter hardy, are sold in the fall and should be chosen for fall color only and treated as an annual. These can be planted in late August to mid-September, either in the ground or left in the pot. Florist mums almost never survive the winter, although you could try bringing them inside a garage over the winter. Check the plant tag to determine the specific hardiness zone for the plants you are buying.
When is the best time to prune trees?
With a few exceptions, trees should be trimmed in late winter, January to March, when dormant, which will cause minimal stress to the tree. It will also be easier to see the structure of the tree and make more precise cuts when the leaves are gone. Pest and disease safety is also best as insects and fungal spores are inactive due to the cold.
There are exceptions to this rule. Oak trees should only be cut in the colder months to avoid spreading oak wilt disease, as well as “bleeding” trees such as maple and birch. Spring flowering trees and shrubs bloom on old wood and should be pruned right after they have finished blooming. Another exception is emergency cuts (dead, damaged, or hazards) which should be pruned when needed.
This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Master gardener shares when to plant spring bulbs and mums this fall
