As perennial garden plants put themselves to bed for the winter, now is the perfect time to plant fall bulbs like tulips, daffodils, and alliums to enjoy in the spring.
If you don't have a yard, never fear! You can give your future self the gift of spring color and scent by planting your bulbs in outdoor pots that can live on a balcony or patio.
Planting Guidelines
As a general rule, bulbs should be planted in a hole slightly wider than the bulb and twice as deep as the bulb is tall. This holds true for bulbs planted in containers, too. Make sure that you choose a pot large enough to accommodate all of your bulbs without leaving too much extra soil. You'll also need to check that the pot you use has a drainage hole; otherwise, you'll create a muddy soup when you water your bulbs in.
Digging In
Choose a high-quality potting soil that drains well and a large, sturdy pot. If you're only planting one type of bulb in your pot, plant them twice as deep in the soil as the bulbs are tall. Cover with soil, leaving 1-2" of space between the top of the soil and the top of the pot, and water in.
Leveling Up
For a more elaborate display, try the lasagna planting method. Select 3 to 4 types of spring bulbs in a variety of sizes. Spread a thin layer of soil in the bottom of a large garden pot, place the largest bulbs in an even layer, and cover with an inch or so of soil. Repeat the process with your medium-sized bulbs, making sure you don't position them directly on top of the first layer of bulbs--each bulb needs a clear shot to the surface of the soil. Last but not least, do the same with your smallest bulbs (such as grape hyacinth or snowdrops). Cover the top layer of bulbs with soil. Water in, let the pot drain, and move to its new home.
Keeping Things Cozy
Because bulbs are less protected from the elements when they're planted in pots vs. planted in the ground, you may want to keep an eye on the temperature when winter rolls around. If extreme cold temperatures are expected (temperatures in the single digits or negatives), you may want to temporarily move the pot into a garage or another unheated space. (The goal is to provide the bulbs with a bit of a buffer from the elements, not convince them that spring has come early.) You can also scoot the pot against the side of the house so that it absorbs some residual heat from the building and further insulate it by wrapping it in old clothing.
Ready to create your own bulb planter? Shop our spring bulb collection.