How to plant up your pot

Growing bulbs in pots is one of the easiest ways to bring spring colour into your garden. They’re easy to grow and low maintenance, too. it’s best to plant daffodils by the end of September and tulips in November – for other bulbs and corms check the planting times on the pack. If there are gaps between your bulbs in spring, you can extend the season by adding bedding plants or perennials to your container to finish the look. To protect the bulbs from squirrels over winter, cover your pots with chicken wire.

1 Check your pot has at least one good-sized drainage hole and add a 10-20cm deep layer of good quality peat-free multi-purpose compost, mixing in about 10 per cent horticultural grit for drainage.

2 Space the bulbs more closely than if you were planting in the ground, but not touching. Position them to allow the plants destined for the top of the pot sufficient room.

3 Cover the bulbs with a little more compost, leaving space for potted plants (here, the cyclamens) to be added later, taking care not to dislodge them. Fill in with more compost and firm.

4 Water thoroughly and finish off with a layer of horticultural grit. Place in a sheltered spot outdoors or even an unheated porch where the bulbs may come into flower a little earlier.