How to Plant Spring Bulbs for an Early Bloom

Hi Friend!

Last week, I took advantage of the unseasonably warm fall weather to get a head start on next year’s garden and plant my spring bulbs in our blueberry garden area. It felt so good to be out in the garden this late in the season, hands in the dirt, dreaming about all the color that will burst to life come spring.

If you’ve been thinking about planting bulbs, it’s not too late! Fall is the perfect time to get them in the ground so they can establish roots before winter’s frost.

Come and take a look at what I planted ~

Our blueberry bush garden was one of the first gardening projects I tackled when we moved in three years ago. I shared the process HERE, and you can see the step-by-step process of how this area took shape. When we first started, this space was overgrown with weeds and a few small trees that needed to be removed for this new layout to take shape. Last spring, we added the obelisks (similar ones found HERE), and I knew they would create the perfect backdrop for planting spring bulbs around.

Last year I tested a small patch of tulip bulbs in a little bed near our barn — and after seeing them bloom, I was hooked!

1. Dig your holes: I dug a 6”-deep square around each obelisk, wide enough for three neat rows of bulbs.

2. Start with the tallest bulbs. I placed two allium bulbs, centered between the legs of the obelisk.

3. Add mid-height flowers: In front of the alliums, I staggered two rows of white tulip bulbs for a full layered look.

4. Finish with low-growing blooms: On the outer edge, I added a ring of grape hyacinths. Planting shortest to tallest gives a soft, tiered effect when everything blooms.

With gardening, I always remind myself that the first round or two is a practice run. Experimenting and learning what works in your own garden takes the pressure off having to get it perfect the first time.

My Favorite Spring Bulbs to Plant

Here’s a list of what I planted this year and why I love each one:

Bulb	Why I Love It	Planting Tip
White Tulips	Clean, classic, and elegant — they add a crisp brightness to any garden bed.	Plant in rows or clusters for impact.
Double White Tulips	Full, layered petals that resemble peonies when they bloom.	Mix with single tulips for texture.
Grape Hyacinth (Muscari)	Low-growing and sweetly fragrant; they naturalize easily.	Perfect for edging or borders.
White & Purple Allium	Tall, sculptural, and whimsical — a favorite for height and drama.	Plant toward the center or back of the bed.

Favorites Round-Up 🌷

If you’re planning to add spring bulbs this fall, here are a few of my favorite sources and varieties:

White Allium ‘Mount Everest’ – Tall and Showy

White Tulips – Long-Stemmed & Elegant

Mount Tacoma Double White Tulips – Peony-Style Blooms

Grape Hyacinths (Muscari armeniacum)

Allium ‘Purple Sensation’ – Striking Violet Blooms

I can’t wait to see how everything blooms this spring — fingers crossed the squirrels and chipmunks keep their distance! Gardening always feels like a mix of hope and patience, and bulb planting is one of those simple joys that rewards you months later with the most beautiful surprise.

If you’re planting bulbs this season, tell me what varieties you’re using! I love hearing what’s worked best in other gardens.

Happy planting, friend