Plant bulbs in autumn and enjoy their bloom next spring. The show will be worth the wait! It’s also a critical time in the gardening calendar. Contrary to popular belief, it’s the time of year when we should be doing the most gardening. This is because, if you don’t plant in autumn, your garden won’t flourish until the last three weeks of spring and most of us are keen for lush greenery and colour way before that!
Plant spring flowering bulbs such as daffodils, crocus and hyacinth by the end of September.
Plant summer flowering bulbs such as lilies and alliums in September and October.
Plant tulips in November.
Most hardy bulbs, including tulips and daffodils, prefer a warm, sunny site with good drainage. Use plenty of good quality topsoil to give the bulb the best start with longer lasting flowers next spring. If your soil is heavy clay, add lots of grit to their planting position.
Top Tip: remember to design your layout and consider planting in clusters to maximise the wow factor!
Get rid of any bulbs that are soft or showing signs of mold. Small bulbs may not flower in their first year. Remove weeds and dig in lots of SuperSoil. Bulbs grown in pots need good drainage so put plenty of crocks in the bottom and add a well-drained compost.
Plant them pointy end up. If you are not sure, plant the bulb on its side: its stem will find its own way up.