Weber State softball won an important road series at Sacramento State, splitting a Friday doubleheader and claiming the Saturday rubber match in the penultimate weekend of Big Sky Conference play.
The Wildcats (21-27, 7-5 Big Sky) and Hornets (22-20, 7-5) are now tied for second place while Idaho State’s high-scoring sweep of last-place Montana clinched the outright regular-season title for the Bengals (32-13, 11-1).
Weber State closes Big Sky play at home April 25-26 with three games against fourth-place Northern Colorado (14-27, 5-6). The Wildcats may need a three-game sweep to reach a coveted second-place finish and the associated tournament bye because Sacramento State finishes conference play against Montana (8-37, 1-11).
When to Plant Bulbs in Utah for a Spectacular Spring Display
Utah’s vibrant spring displays of tulips, daffodils, and other flowering bulbs are a welcome sight after the cold, dreary winter months. But to achieve these jaw-dropping flower shows, proper timing and technique when planting the bulbs in fall is essential. This comprehensive guide will explore everything you need to know about when and how to plant bulbs in Utah for optimal success.
Why Fall is the Best Time to Plant Bulbs in Utah
Spring-flowering bulbs like tulips daffodils hyacinths, and crocuses need a period of cool temperatures and winter dormancy in order to bloom properly in spring. This physiological process, called vernalization, makes autumn the perfect season for planting bulbs in Utah.
Getting bulbs in the ground in fall allows time for them to develop extensive root systems before the ground freezes over winter. The roots continue growing during the cold period, allowing the bulbs to take up moisture and nutrients vital for vigorous spring emergence. Additionally, the winter chill helps manipulate the bulbs’ internal clock, ensuring they bloom on schedule in spring after lying dormant. Simply put, planting in fall is key for spectacular floral displays come spring in Utah.
When to Start Planting Bulbs in Utah for Spring Blooms
The optimal window for planting spring-flowering bulbs in Utah is from October through early November. This provides ample chilling time for proper vernalization while avoiding planting too early when bulb roots may prematurely sprout in still-warm fall soil.
Here is a guideline for the best fall planting period for common bulbs grown in Utah
- Daffodils: September – November
- Tulips: October – early November
- Crocuses: September – November
- Hyacinths: October – early November
- Alliums: September – November
Bulbs planted too early in late summer or early fall can send up shoots and roots when soil temperatures are still warm. This tender new growth is prone to damage when harsh cold weather ultimately sets in On the flip side, planting too late after the soil has cooled down significantly delays the critical root establishment period Weak, shallow roots cannot properly anchor the bulbs, leading to disastrous frost heaving forces during winter.
So timing is everything when it comes to planting bulbs in Utah for optimal spring blooms. Pay close attention to the ideal planting months for the specific types you want to grow.
How Long Does it Take For Bulbs to Bloom After Fall Planting?
On average, it takes 5-6 months from the time bulbs are planted in fall until their glorious spring flowers emerge. However, bloom times can vary somewhat among different bulb species and varieties.
Here are the typical timeframes you can expect from planting bulbs in autumn to seeing blooms emerge in spring in Utah:
- Crocuses: 4-5 months
- Daffodils: 5-6 months
- Tulips: 5-6 months
- Hyacinths: 5-6 months
- Alliums: 5-6 months
The exact duration depends on when cold winter weather arrives and the specific chilling hour requirements for each bulb type. Blooming also progresses based on variety – early blooming crocuses may poke through as soon as February while late tulips don’t bloom until May.
Staggering the planting times for different bulb varieties in fall can prolong the overall spring blooming season in your garden. Combining early and late bloomers provides up to 3 months of continuous floral beauty.
How to Plant Bulbs in Utah for Spectacular Spring Flowers
Follow these simple steps for proper technique on how to plant bulbs in Utah to maximize spring flowering potential:
- Select a Site with Full Sun Exposure
Pick a spot that will receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for best growth and flowering. Well-draining, nutrient-rich sandy loam soil is ideal.
- Prepare and Amend Soil
Loosen soil to a depth of 12-15 inches. Mix in compost or other organic matter to enrich drainage and nutrients.
- Dig Holes to Correct Planting Depth
Plant bulbs at a depth 2-3 times their height. Small bulbs like crocuses go 3-4 inches deep while larger daffodil bulbs are set 6 inches deep.
- Space Bulbs Properly
Follow recommended spacing on packaging to prevent overcrowding. This allows good air flow between bulbs.
- Add Bulb Fertilizer
Place bulb food or bone meal in the planting holes for quick root access to nutrients. Avoid high nitrogen fertilizers.
Following the proper planting depth, spacing, soil preparation, and fertilization results in thriving, vibrant bulbs.
Caring for Bulbs After Fall Planting
Proper care after planting bulbs in fall is vital to protect them over winter and ensure abundant spring blooms. Here are some tips:
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Water thoroughly after planting and as needed until ground freeze. This stimulates root growth.
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Cover beds with 2-4 inches of organic mulch to regulate soil temperature and moisture.
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Insulate shallow bulbs like crocuses with extra mulch or leaves.
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Fertilize with balanced fertilizer once shoots emerge in spring.
Taking these aftercare steps will enable bulbs to withstand winter and put on the spring show of a lifetime in your Utah garden!
Avoiding Common Problems with Bulb Planting in Utah
Here are some potential pitfalls to avoid when planting bulbs in the fall season in Utah:
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Planting too early while soil is still warm, causing premature sprouting.
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Planting too late doesn’t allow the 6-8 weeks needed for root establishment.
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Heavy clay soil can lead to poor drainage and bulb rotting.
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Inadequate spacing causes overcrowding and poor growth.
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Forgetting to water thoroughly after planting delays rooting.
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Insufficient chilling time results in irregular or non-existent blooming.
By planting bulbs at the optimal time in fall and following proper planting techniques, you can avoid these issues and have a breathtaking spring bulb display in Utah.
In Conclusion
Planting spring-flowering bulbs at just the right time in fall is the key to unlocking their incredible beauty come spring in Utah. Time your planting in the ideal window of September to November, choose suitable bulbs for the region, use proper planting methods, and care for bulbs after planting. Follow these tips for a dazzling floral showcase that makes the long Utah winter totally worth enduring.
SAC STATE 4, WEBER STATE 1
WSU managed just four hits against Kennedie Magorian in Friday’s nightcap and the pitcher helped the Hornets even up the series in a complete-game effort.
Riley Whalen opened the game with a double for the Wildcats and Taegan Smith singled. With runners on second and third with no outs, WSU plated just one, on a Sadie Kirk groundout, and it was the team’s only run of the game.
Magorian struck out eight and walked one. Madison Evers-Lyles hit a solo homer in the fifth against Raina Navarro to give the Hornets the lead and Alexa Carino homered off Jayci Finch in the sixth to widen the gap.
WEBER STATE 4, SAC STATE 3
Weber State fell behind but came through with middle-inning run support and held on for a win to open the series Friday.
Trailing 2-0, Weber knotted the game 2-2 in the fourth inning when Apollonia Maldonado sent a bouncer up the middle and, in a play charged an error to the shortstop, Emma Bingham and Sadie Kirk went around to score.
In the fifth, Kiaira Smith and Abby Grundy tallied one-out singles and set up Kirk for the game-winning swing, a two-RBI double down the left-field line.
Cali McCraw, allowing three runs on six hits while striking out five, finished her complete-game win with a little help. Lafulafu Malepeai led off the bottom of the seventh with a single for Sacramento State but got caught in a pickle when Madison Evers-Lyles legged out an infield single.
Eliminating the lead runner mattered greatly when catcher Katie Marsh singled to score Evers-Lyles in the next at-bat. McCraw got the next batter to fly out to center field, ending the ballgame.
When to Plant Bulbs in Utah
FAQ
When to plant iris bulbs in Utah?
Planting Irises. The best time to plant irises is in late summer or early autumn. They should be established in the soil before winter.
What is the best month to plant bulbs?
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Fall planting:Spring-blooming bulbs like tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths need a period of cold temperatures to initiate their growth cycle, so fall planting is crucial.
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Timing varies by location:The specific timing for planting can vary depending on your hardiness zone and local weather patterns.
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Consider soil temperature:You’ll want to wait until the soil has cooled down but is still workable before planting.
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Plant before freezing:Aim to plant bulbs at least 6-8 weeks before the ground freezes in your area to allow for adequate root development.
Is it a good idea to soak bulbs before planting?
Soaking allows suitable bulbs to absorb enough water to begin growth immediately, saving two or three weeks of time.
When to plant hyacinth bulbs in Utah?
Other popular spring bulbs include daffodils, crocus, galanthus (snowdrops) and hyacinth. October through early November is the best time to plant spring-flowering bulbs along the Wasatch Front, according to Hunter.
When is the best time to plant in Utah?
Planting dates in Utah vary depending local climate conditions. Planting often begins in early to midApril in southern Utah and may be as late as midJune in cooler areas of northern Utah. Planting is recommended after danger of frost has passed. Local freeze dates can be accessed through the Utah Climate Center (climate.usurf.usu.edu).
When should I plant bulbs in Arkansas?
In Arkansas, plant spring-blooming bulbs when the soil temperature is ideally between 40 and 60 degrees. North and central Arkansas gardeners should plant from mid-September until the end of October. South Arkansas gardeners should plant from late October until mid-December.
When should I plant bulbs in the south?
When deciding when to plant bulbs in the south, always plant winter garden bulbs and hardy spring-flowering bulbs (tulips, crocuses, daffodils, and hyacinths) in the fall. Bulbs should typically be planted as soon as possible to prevent them from drying.
When should you plant a plant on the Moon?
In other words, plant from the day the Moon is new until the day it is full. Plant flowering bulbs, biennial and perennial flowers, and vegetables that bear crops below ground during the dark, or waning, of the Moon. In other words, plant from the day after the Moon is full until the day before it is new again.
When should I transplant my seedlings?
If it’s not yet warm enough to plant outdoors, transplant the seedlings to larger plastic or peat pots indoors and continue care. If outdoor conditions allow, start hardening off your seedlings approximately one week before your last frost date, then transplant them into the garden.
Can you plant radishes in summer?
In fact, many crops with short maturity times (such as radishes) can be succession planted all the way through the summer in northern areas. However, note that some cool-season crops, such as kale and lettuce, do not grow well in hot temperatures, which can cause bolting issues.