Autumn planting of bulbs: digging times and methods without damage

Autumn is a good time to prepare a spring garden. For the plants to delight you with their flowering, the bulbs must be divided periodically, and it is best to do this before the onset of frost.

Over time, the plants form dense bushes, which can negatively affect their flowering. Experts recommend dividing them every few years – either in late spring, when the foliage has already faded, or in autumn, before real frosts. The most convenient time to carry out this procedure is from late October to mid-November.

When digging up the bulbs, you should be careful not to damage them. Digging should begin with a slight indentation to the plant and carefully lifting the soil around it. Then the bulbs are separated from the mother ones, the damaged and diseased ones are selected, and the healthy ones are prepared for planting. It is important not to divide them into too small parts – it is better to plant them in small groups, since single plants often show weak flowering.

Before planting or storing, the bulbs are cleaned of the ground and dried in the shade. Each bulb must have at least one eye – otherwise it will not be able to germinate. Delicate species, such as callas or dahlias, do not tolerate winter cold, so after dividing them, they should be stored in a cool, dry place, wrapped in paper. If the bulbs are dry, they are slightly moistened, and if they are moldy, they are dried.

Experts emphasize that regular autumn division of bulbs is the key to the health of your garden and bright flowering in spring.

Previously, we reported on which bushes will help protect your home—sick plants: which species should not be planted in pots. Let us remind you where hydrangeas will never bloom – in conditions of clay, scorching sun, wind, and lawns.