Now is the Time to Plant Your Summer Bulbs and Tubers (Let’s Hope the Frost Agrees)

Now is the Time to Plant Your Summer Bulbs and Tubers! (Let’s Hope the Frost Agrees)

Hello, my fellow garden enthusiasts and professionals! It’s that magical time of year again—the birds are singing, the soil is warming, and most importantly, it’s time to plant your summer bulbs and tubers! Yes, the moment has arrived to dig, plop, and bury all those glorious dahlias, gladioli, lilies, and other floral wonders that will soon make your garden look like something out of a romantic novel.

Now, I say hopefully because, well, we do live in a world where the weather enjoys playing games with our emotions. One minute, we’re basking in the glory of spring sunshine, and the next—bam!—a rogue frost swoops in just to keep us on our toes. But let’s be optimistic, shall we? The danger of frost should be behind us (if not, have a blanket on standby), and the soil is warming up, making it the perfect time to get those bulbs and tubers in the ground.

So, grab your trowel, your gardening gloves and let’s get planting!

What to Plant Now for a Summer Garden That Will Make Your Neighbors Jealous

Right, let’s talk bulbs and tubers—the prima donnas of the garden world. Unlike perky little spring bulbs that obediently bloom at the first hint of warmth, summer bulbs take their time, soaking up the sunshine and putting on a dazzling show just when other plants start to fade.

Here are some must-plant favorites:

Dahlias – The attention seekers of the garden. They start slow but, by late summer, they are bursting with fabulous blooms in every color imaginable. Honestly, they’re like the show-stopping finale at a floral fashion show.

Gladiolus – Tall, elegant, and a bit of a show-off. These beauties add height and structure to your garden, not to mention they make fantastic cut flowers (so you can smugly gift bouquets to friends and pretend or confirm you’re an expert).

Lilies – The fragrant, sophisticated ones. Plant them now, and by summer, your garden will smell absolutely heavenly, like a botanical perfume counter—but in a good way.

Begonias, Canna Lilies, and Calla Lilies – Perfect for pots, beds, and adding that tropical touch that says, “Yes, I am a person who knows things about plants.”

The Secret to a Long-Lasting Display: Staggered Planting

Now, listen carefully because this is a gardening power move that will make you look like a pro. Stagger your planting times!

Instead of planting all your bulbs in one go (which leads to a floral explosion that fizzles out too soon), plant them in batches over a few weeks. This way, as one set of flowers starts to fade, another set is just getting started—like a well-rehearsed relay race of floral fabulousness.

For example:

Plant your first batch now (because you’re an eager gardening genius).
Wait two weeks and plant another round.
If you’re feeling wild, do another round two weeks after that!

This ensures that your garden stays in bloom for as long as possible, rather than having one dramatic week of glory before descending into leafy sadness.

Planting Tips for Maximum Success (and Minimum Chaos)

Now, I know what you’re thinking: “this sounds great, but what if I mess it up?” Fear not! Here are some foolproof (well, almost foolproof) tips:

Wait for the Soil to Warm Up – Bulbs and tubers like warm feet, so planting in cold, soggy soil is about as appealing to them as stepping into an ice bath.

Choose a Sunny Spot – These summer stars love the sun, so avoid shady, damp corners unless you want them sulking in protest.

Well-Draining Soil is Key – If your soil is clay-heavy and holds water like an overenthusiastic sponge, add grit or compost to improve drainage. No one likes soggy feet, not even plants.

Plant at the Right Depth – As a rule of thumb, plant bulbs two to three times as deep as they are tall (unless the package says otherwise, in which case, listen to the professionals).

Watch Out for Hungry Critters – Squirrels and rodents see freshly planted bulbs as a personal buffet. To outsmart them, cover your planting area with mesh or chicken wire until the shoots appear. Sneaky but effective.

Final Thoughts: Get Planting and Prepare for Summer Glory!

So, my lovely gardening friends, now is the time! Grab your dahlias, gladioli, lilies and the rest and get them in the ground while the soil is warming and the frost (hopefully) is behind us. Stagger your plantings for a longer display, give them the right conditions, and before you know it, you’ll be waltzing through a stunning summer garden worthy of a dreamy movie sequence.

And if the weather does throw in a sneaky frost? Well, just shake your fist at the sky dramatically, throw a blanket over your plants, and carry on like the gardening trooper you are.

Happy planting!