The weather has started to cooperate, and I finally got back Into my garden last week for the first time in quite some time. One of my goals this fall was to get some bulbs planted in my front yard. I took advantage of the beautiful weather and easy-to- dig soil and got some alliums, daffodils, crocus, hyacinth and some tulips planted.

Bulbs are among the easiest flowers to grow and provide color when you need it most- first thing in the spring. Too often people try to plant fall bulbs too early. This can confuse the plant and they often begin to sprout without going through the needed cold time they require to produce pretty blossoms.

A flower bulb is really a self-contained flower factory. Within this marvelous little package is nearly everything the flower needs to come to life! Split a tulip open, for instance, and you'll see its baby flower bud, leaves, roots, stem and food supply. All bulbs need from you is to be placed in the ground at the appropriate season of the year, given a liberal drink of water then left to work their magic.

So, what are you waiting for? Buy some bulbs and a hand trowel and get digging! Here are a few additional tips to get you started:

Make sure soil is loose and well drained. If you have heavy clay soils, use some sphagnum peat moss with your existing soil to improve the drainage. Add some bone meal to ensure they get a great start.

Plant them according to their size and type. Generally, the depth should be about three times deeper than the diameter of your bulb. Your bulb packaging should also note the depth to plant.

Plant bulbs in groups rather than single rows. This looks much more natural and creates a more dramatic look.

If you have a lot of critters in your area, consider adding Bonide MoleMax Mole & Vole Repellent. It’s an easy to use granular product that you simply add to the soil around your bulbs at the time of planting.

Size does matter when it comes to bulbs. When choosing bulbs for purchase, you get what you pay for. The larger the daffodil bulb is the more mature that plant is and will bloom bigger/ more sturdy blossoms.

Stagger your bulbs so that taller blooming varieties are behind shorter types. Also note that different varieties bloom at different times. Not all tulips, for instance, will bloom at the same time. Stagger early, mid and late varieties to get the most color out of your garden.

After planting, it helps to use leaf debris or mulch to help insulate the ground around the bulbs. Also, don’t forget to give them a good drink if rain is not forecasted.

Not sure what types of flowers are bulbs? Here is a quick pictorial guide to get you going.

Tulips- SO many colors, sizes and shapes!

Daffodils- Deer resistant, reliable bloomers in a variety of colors, shapes and heights.

Hyacinth: These compact blooms are FULL of fragrance!

Crocus: Your sign each year that spring is near!

Alliums: These funky globes appear and delight year after year.