How to plant your pots

1 Choose a pot around 40cm high and 40cm wide, and make sure it has drainage holes at the base. If none, make some by piercing the bottom. Half-fill the pot with a multi-purpose or soil-based compost.

2 Place your large bulbs, such as daffodils and tulips, on top of the compost, ensuring they don’t touch each other – the pointy end should be pointing up and the hairy roots down. Cover the bulbs with another layer of compost.

3 Remove the largest plant from its plastic pot and place it at the rear of the container. Position the other plants around the largest one, working down to the smallest, which are best around the edge. Keep checking that you are happy with the overall arrangement.

4 Fill in any gaps around the plants with more compost, making sure all of the roots are covered. Firm the compost down with your fingers to get rid of any air pockets.

5 Plant small bulbs, such as chionodoxa and grape hyacinth, around the edges of the pot. Plant with the flattest side down – you may also be able to see small hairy roots on this side and a tiny growing tip on the top. As they’re small, they don’t need to be very deep and can just be poked in with your finger to a depth of about 7cm.

6 Water the pot thoroughly, using a watering can with a rose, ensuring all of the compost is soaked. This will help to settle the compost. Fill in any gaps that appear, after the first watering, with more compost. Place the pot in a sunny spot, sheltered from strong winds.