Spring in your step

THE GoodHome Durum Hand Fork (£5.92) has a smooth, ergonomic wooden handle that helps reduce the strain on your hands. It’s also made from FSC-certified sustainable ash wood for some extra strength and durability.

THERE are few things that remind me more of spring than a patch of cheerful golden daffodils swaying in the wind.

For those of us who look forward to early March, when we can stand in our gardens surrounded by beautifully coloured bulbs, it’s important to remember they are made in the autumn.

When we think about bulbs, most of us will automatically focus on daffodils and tulips, but alternatives such as anemones, irises, bluebells, alliums and crocuses are also great options for adding pops of colour to spring beds.

Whatever you choose, remember it takes some planning as they need to be planted before the cold weather starts and the soil hardens.

Between now and the end of November is the ideal time as the ground is warm and moist.

You can plant into borders, smaller containers or pots, but the rule of thumb is to ensure they are always planted at three times the bulb’s height.

When choosing bulbs, make sure to look out for ones with a firm neck and outer surface.

Try to avoid any that are sprouting, although a neck that is a little green is totally fine. They should also feel heavy compared to their size and shouldn’t have any active root growth. Don’t forget all the usual checks as well – they shouldn’t look damaged, bruised, shrivelled or crumbly.

For a longer-lasting arrangement that will flower through spring, plant two or three layers of different bulbs in the same container or bed.

Start by planting the biggest bulbs at the bottom, add a good layer of soil, plant a smaller bulb on top, then repeat.

By choosing different bulbs for each layer, you will end up with a brilliant display that changes colour from fortnight to fortnight.

A COMMON mistake is to trim foliage off bulbs once the flower dies. But you will get a better result next year if you keep the leaves on until they go yellow. If you need to move the bulb to replant new flowers, “heel” them back into the earth somewhere out of sight.