PLANT BULBS FOR SPRING

March, April and May are our main bulb planting months. The more bulbs we plant, the greater the rewards during winter and early spring.

Be an early bird.

Even if you plan to plant towards the end of the season, keep an eye out for bulb stocks arriving in garden centres (from March onwards) so you can procure your favourite varieties from the best of the new season’s stock. Tulip bulbs flower beautifully if they are kept in the fridge for eight weeks prior to planting.

Plant for impact.

Even if you have only a few bulbs, they will make more of a statement if you plant in close groupings rather than scattering them about.

Fill pots with bulbs.

Spring bulbs make excellent container plants. Their drainage needs can be accommodated very easily in pots, and once foliage begins to die down they can be moved from view. For best results plant in bulb planting mix. This ensures the right balance of drainage, water holding ability and controlled release fertiliser. Terracotta pots are ideal because they’re porous which helps to keep bulb roots cool. Generally bulbs are grown for just one season in a pot, so they can be planted so they are almost touching.

Plant under deciduous trees.

Beautiful woodland bulbs include snowdrops, snowflakes, bluebells, and many daffodils. When planting bulbs under trees, compensate for soil-robbing tree roots by enriching the soil with moisture retentive compost and bulb fertiliser. Many bulbs, especially daffodils and bluebells can be left in the ground to flower year after year. Resist the temptation to cut down the foliage until at least six weeks after flowering if you want flowers the following year. If flowering seems in decline after a few years, overcrowding is the likely cause and it’s time to lift and divide.