Know Your Hardiness Zone

Use your zone to confirm what will grow well in your area. Most items work in zones 3–9.

Choose Your Location

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of sun daily
• Partial Shade: 3–6 hours of sun
• Shade: less than 3 hours of sun
• Drainage matters: bulbs can rot in waterlogged soil—avoid puddle areas.

Prepare Your Soil

Good soil prep is the most important step for success.

• Clear weeds, grass, and rocks
• Loosen soil ~12 inches deep
• Mix in compost/organic matter (optional but helpful)
• Break up clumps and smooth the soil

Spring: soil should crumble, not form a sticky ball. Fall: prepare while soil is still warm and easy to work.

Planting Your Spring Items

Planting Bulbs

• Dig holes 2–3× deeper than bulb height
• Place bulbs pointy end UP, flat end DOWN
• Space 3–12 inches (depends on bulb size)
• Cover and pat gently, then water
• Mark your planting spots (optional)

Planting Bare-Root Items

• Dig a wide hole so roots can spread
• Build a small mound of soil in the center
• Set plant on mound and spread roots down
• Strawberries: crown stays at soil level; others: 1–2 inches below surface
• Fill/firm, water well, mulch 1–3 inches

Planting Your Fall Items

When to Plant

• Colder areas: September–October
• Warmer areas: November–December
• Plant while ground is workable (you should be able to dig easily)

How Deep to Plant

• Large bulbs: 4–6 inches
• Medium bulbs: 3–4 inches
• Small bulbs: 2–3 inches

Planting steps are the same as spring: point up, cover/pat gently, water after planting, and add light mulch after ground freezes.

💡 Tip: For “The Works” package, plant varieties in groups for a strong spring display.

Watering

• Water well right after planting
• Keep soil moist for the first 2–3 weeks
• After that, water when soil feels dry
• Reduce watering when leaves start to yellow after blooming

Ongoing Care

• Water regularly during the growing season
• Remove dead flowers
• Let leaves yellow naturally before cutting (this feeds the bulb)
• Keep weeds away

Winter Care

Most items can stay in the ground all winter.

• In very cold zones, some items may need special care
• To winterize: add mulch after the first hard frost
• To lift: dig after leaves die, dry 1–2 weeks, store cool and dry

Keys to Success

• Plant at the RIGHT TIME (spring in spring, fall in fall)
• Loose, well-draining soil is essential
• Plant at the right depth (generally 2–3× bulb height)
• Water well—especially after planting
• Let leaves die naturally
• Be patient: plants improve each year