As the year winds down, it’s tempting to pause the gardening mindset until spring. But here’s the secret: fall is the season that sets the stage for everything beautiful next year. Every spring, many gardeners look at their neighbor’s yard bursting with tulips and think, “I wish I had planted bulbs last fall.”
This year, you don’t have to wish—you can act. With a little planning now, you’ll step into spring with color, softness, and strength already rooted in your garden.
Planting Fall Bulbs
Few things bring joy like the first signs of tulips, daffodils, or crocuses pushing through the snow. Planting bulbs in the fall is one of the easiest ways to guarantee a splash of color after a long winter. Simply tuck them into the soil before it freezes, and they’ll rest quietly until spring arrives.
Want even better results?
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Add bone meal to strengthen roots and set the stage for bold, healthy flowers.
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Mix in blood meal for nitrogen that fuels lush green growth.
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Use a bulb planting tool to ensure perfect depth and spacing with minimal effort.
With over 500–600 bulb varieties available, every garden can be unique. And since each Ritchie’s location offers a slightly different selection, you might discover something new and exciting wherever you shop.
The Secret Power of Wildflowers
While bulbs give you that early-spring “wow,” wildflowers extend the beauty into summer and beyond. And here’s a tip many gardeners don’t know: fall is the best time to plant wildflower seeds.
In nature, wildflowers scatter their seeds at the end of the season, letting them rest through winter’s cold. This natural process, called stratification, helps them sprout stronger, earlier, and healthier when the warmth returns.
Far from being “messy” or “unruly,” wildflowers bring a soft, natural charm to your yard. They’re low-maintenance, pollinator-friendly, and perfect for areas where you’d like beauty without heavy landscaping. Think of them as nature’s effortless design.
Don’t Forget the Soil: Cover Crops
If bulbs and wildflowers give you beauty above the ground, cover crops work their magic below. Planting a cover crop in fall acts like tucking your soil in with a protective blanket. They:
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Prevent erosion
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Suppress weeds
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Retain nutrients
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Improve soil health and structure
And when they’re tilled back into the soil in spring, they add organic matter that boosts fertility for the next season’s crops. For vegetable gardens, fall rye is one of the most powerful soil builders, while winter peas provide an easier-to-manage option with great results.
Bringing It All Together
From bulbs that brighten the earliest days of spring, to wildflowers that carry the season forward, to cover crops that restore and protect the soil—fall is your chance to set your garden up for success.
And you don’t have to do it alone. Ritchie’s Green Team can design a planting plan that ensures your garden looks magical year-round. With the right mix, your yard will bloom in waves—spring, summer, and fall—so that every season has its moment to shine.
No more tulip envy. Just a garden that greets you with joy every time you step outside.
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