Autumn brings a range of emotions for gardeners. Sad to see the end of our summer garden, we’re already planning and dreaming about next year’s plans.

Planting “bulb lasagna” is one way to move from dreaming to doing. It’s an easy project that can bring a progression of blossoms to your doorstep in the spring.

I recently saw the bulb lasagna idea mentioned in a national gardening magazine and decided to investigate further.

It’s a technique for planting several varieties of flower bulbs, arranged in layers like lasagna, and designed to bloom for weeks in the same pot.

Imagine crocuses showing their colorful blooms on the front porch in the early spring, followed by jonquil narcissus or Dutch hyacinth, then tulips and finally a late-blooming Allium or daffodil. Here’s the recipe for this layered gardening technique.

Begin the lasagna project by choosing a large pot — it should be 14 to 16 inches deep to accommodate the planting layers, with good drainage. Purchase outdoor potting soil containing a slow-release fertilizer or enrich your soil with bone meal to promote root growth.

Choose three or four bulb varieties that bloom at different times — early, mid- and late-spring — and that all require planting at different depths. Study the bulb packages for directions on how deep to plant and when blooms are expected.

When selecting bulbs, Ohio State Extension gardening experts recommend choosing larger ones in each variety, as they will perform better than small bargain bulbs. Pick those that are firm and smooth without blemishes. Always plant them pointed-side up.

Start by placing a layer of soil two to three inches deep at the bottom of the pot, then arrange your largest bulbs – they should be eight inches from the surface. Cover with another layer of soil, measuring from the top to ensure that the second layer of medium-sized bulbs is about six inches deep.

Add a one-inch layer of additional soil, plant another layer of smaller, early blooming bulbs, such as grape hyacinth or crocus, then top it off with about five inches of potting soil. Add mulch and water regularly.

Once planted, the bulb lasagna pot can be kept in a cool, dark spot, such as an unheated garage or shed. The optimal chilling temperature is between 40 degrees and 45 degrees Fahrenheit.

When early spring arrives, place the pot outside in a mostly sunny and highly visible spot and enjoy the continual progression of spring flowers from March through May. It’s okay to remove faded or dead blooms, but don’t remove the leaves because they feed the bulb for next year’s growth.

You can try planting bulb lasagna in the ground as well. Be sure to choose a spot with good, loamy soil with adequate drainage. Do the same steps – and watch for beauty come next spring.

For more details on successful spring bulb planting, visit: https://go.osu.edu/bulbs.

Hixenbaugh is an Ohio State University Extension Master Gardener Volunteer in Mahoning County.