The sooner bulbs, such as garlic, tulips, crocuses or daffodils, are planted, the better the crop will be, says Ron Smith, North Dakota State University Extension Service horticulturist.

“The flowering bulbs will grow well on any side of the house,” Smith says. “They grace the landscape nicely when planted under tree or shrub canopies or in grand masses out in an open bed. Most will do best in light-structured, well-drained soil. If standing water persists for any length of time on the property, avoid that setting or do something to correct the drainage problem before planting.”

Shopping online is considered trendy, but to assure the quality wanted, visit local retail garden centers to make selections.

“Pick the largest, most firm bulbs for the species of flower desired,” Smith says. “Set them to the proper planting depth and spacing, cover the bulbs and then water in. That basically is it.”

Next spring, as the flowers fade, the stems can be cut back to prevent seed formation. The foliage should be allowed to die back naturally. Some recommendations might include fertilizer, such as 5-10-5, bone meal or superphosphate. Unless the soil is very poor in nutrient value, these inputs generally are not needed.

Garlic bulbs also can be planted at this time. Most already are sold out, but in checking locally, some varieties still may be available.

“Look for music or killarny varieties,” Smith says. “Both hardneck and softneck varieties can be successfully grown in North Dakota. By planting them now, the cloves, which make up the garlic bulb, will have an opportunity to develop a root system and begin sending up a sprout, possibly emerging before winter weather closes in. If that occurs, and the area does not get a lot of snow cover, then some winter protection with mulch is suggested.”

Plant the cloves with the blunt end down and have the top at least 2 inches below the surface of the soil. Water in or wait for nature to do the watering.

Harvest the garlic when the foliage starts to flag or turn yellow in July or August.

“Save the biggest bulbs for replanting because eventually a unique cultivar of bulbs will be yours to replant and harvest every year,” Smith says.

NDSU Agriculture Communication