From the ground up: An expert’s guide to planting, digging up bulbs in the fall

Q: When can I plant bulbs for spring?

A: September is a great month to purchase daffodils, tulips, crocus and hyacinth bulbs for fall planting, but October is the month to plant those bulbs. You don't want to plant if it's too warm because you don't want the bulbs to send up shoots this fall, but you do want to get them in the ground with enough time so that the bulbs can develop a root system before the ground freezes in winter.

Spring bulbs need a sunny spot and well draining soil. If they are planted in damp soil that doesn't drain they will rot. Daffodils should rebloom for many years if planted in the right spot. Tulips are a short-lived bulb and may need to be replanted every few years.

When purchasing bulbs, select good quality bulbs that are large for their type and firm with no soft or brown spots. When planting, make sure you plant them with the flat side (or root side) down at a depth equal to three to four times the bulb's diameter. That's about 6 to 8 inches deep for daffodils and tulips, 3 to 4 inches deep for crocuses and grape hyacinths. Also make sure you space daffodils and tulips about 6 inches apart so they don't get crowded and rot. Three-inch spacing is good for crocuses, grape hyacinths and other small bulbs. Water well.

Q: What do I do with the other bulbs already in the ground?

A: There are several 'annual” flowers that are actually bulbs, that need to come out of the ground and overwinter inside. For Dahlias, cut plants down to about 4 inches above the ground right before a killing frost, leave them in the ground to 'cure” and then dig up, gently remove soil, cut stems back to 1 inch from the crown and allow bulbs to dry for about 24 hours. Once dry, store in a cardboard box in a cool, dry location in a layer of dry vermiculite, peat moss or wood shavings.

Tuberous begonias can be overwintered. After a killing frost, dig the begonias, leaving a small amount of soil around each tuber. Cut stems to 1 inch above the tubers and place in a cool, dry area to cure for two to three weeks. After 'curing” remove soil and store in a cardboard box covered with vermiculite, peat moss, or sawdust and store in a cool place (40 to 50 degrees.)

Caladiums are another bulb worth overwintering. Dig caladiums when foliage begins to die or after the first frost. Cure the whole plant in a cool, dry location for one to two weeks, then cut off the foliage and store in a cardboard box layered with vermiculite, peat moss, or sawdust in a cool (60 to 65 degrees) location.

' Lisa Slattery is a Linn County Master Gardener.