One more project for September: for a quick burst of color in the fall garden, consider adding plants like pansies and ornamental cabbage or kale. These plants do well in the cool temperatures of September and October and will add color immediately. Even the exceptionally cool temperatures that we have been having recently will not bother these plants. Pansies and ornamental cabbage are readily available in most garden centers at this time of year.

Believe it or not, it is already time to plant spring flowering bulbs. Luckily this should be a little easier this year, since we have just had some soil-softening rains. It should be fairly easy to dig holes this fall. We are fast approaching the best time to plant bulbs, so get your trowels ready.

Purchasing quality bulbs will help insure good bloom. Always look for species that are cold hardy to our area. Northeastern Illinois is in USDA hardiness zone 5 (the smaller the number, the colder the zone).

If buying from local sources, inspect bulbs carefully before buying. Consider the size and firmness of the bulbs. Undersize bulbs may produce small flowers. Choose larger, fuller bulbs (keep in mind that not all species have bulbs of the same size; small species have small bulbs).

Bulbs should also be firm. Any soft areas or spots may indicate the presence of disease. Some bulbs are colored and this is normal. Avoid those with spots that do not match the rest of the bulb's color.

If purchasing through a mail order source, select one with a good reputation since you are buying a product without seeing it first. Also, find out what the return or refund policy is, in case you are not satisfied with the bulbs you purchase.

It's best to plant bulbs as soon as they are purchased. If this is not possible, store them in a cool place (50 to 60 degrees F) until they can be planted.

Select a variety of spring bulbs. They don't all bloom at the same time and careful selection can insure continuous bloom throughout the spring. Even different varieties of the same species may differ in their bloom time (ex: there are numerous varieties of tulip; they do not all bloom at the same time).

Bulbs will perform best when the soil is properly prepared. Bulbs require good drainage. Soils that do not drain well may lead to rot or poor performance. If the soil is heavy clay, it needs to have organic matter (compost, aged manure, peat) added prior to planting. This organic matter should be worked into the top 6-8 inches of soil. This type of soil preparation may not be feasible if the bulbs are being interplanted in existing perennial beds or planted beneath trees or shrubs.

Spring-flowering bulbs are best planted between mid-September and mid-October. Timing will vary a bit each year, depending on the weather. It is important that the soil is still warm enough to encourage rooting of the newly planted bulbs. Root development will continue as long as the soil temperature is about 45 degrees F or higher.

Proper planting depth is important. Bulbs vary in their size and thus in their planting depth. A good rule of thumb is to plant two to three times as deep as the bulb is tall. This depth should be measured from the bottom of the bulb.

Fertilizer can be added at planting time. Phosphorus is important to the root development that occurs in the fall. Phosphorus in the form of bonemeal or superphosphate can be mixed into the soil below where the bulbs will be located. Do not place the phosphorus too deeply; it moves very little in the soil and must be located so that it can be taken up by the bulbs roots.

Newly planted bulbs should be watered to encourage root development. Regular watering should continue as long as the soil is not frozen.

The warm soils and cooling air temperatures make September a good time to work in the perennial garden. Plants that are overgrown can be divided now. Perennials that look crowded or are dying out in the center show a need for division. Just dig the perennial and divide the root system into two or three parts with a sharp tool or shovel and replant all the sections (or give extras away to friends). Be sure to provide water so the divisions start to form new roots.

New perennials can be purchased and added to the garden now as well. You may not see a lot of growth on top of the plant, but be assured that the root system is growing. The soil is still warm enough to encourage root growth, provided that water is available. Since we have not had much rain lately, be sure to water divided perennials as well as newly planted ones.