Plant your Spring Bulbs - Our Top 5 Tips!

It’s that time of year again! We have lifted our bulbs, let them dry naturally in the fields before carefully cleaning and hand-packing them, ready for you to plant in your garden this autumn. We are often asked what are our top tips for successfully planting bulbs for the ultimate spring display, so here’s our top 5:

1/ The best time for planting is between September and November, plant in free draining soil to a depth that is twice the height of the bulbs and at least 5-6 inches apart.

2/ It is always best to check the flowering times and heights. Shorter stemmed varieties are best for exposed locations and by inter planting different varieties you can often extend the period of flowering by up to three or four months.

3/ If you are planting in containers or window boxes make sure there is a hole in the bottom and add bits of broken pottery or stones to assist free drainage and air circulation. It is best to use a compost or a compost and coarse sand mix. In containers they can be planted much closer together and a good trick is to layer the bulbs with the latest bloom time at the bottom encouraging multiple flowering. Protect from frosts by covering or place in shelter during freezing periods.

4/ For annual flowering allow the leaves to die back naturally before cutting them off and although not essential, it can be beneficial to add some potash rich fertiliser after flowering.

5/ Bulbs are incredibly versatile, they are best planted in sunny location and will bring colour to grass verges, lawn edges, hedgerows and other forgotten corners.

Remember, bulbs will appear year after year and require little maintenance making them one of the most rewarding garden investments you can make.

You can order your bulbs now via our website and they will be posted out to you so you can plant them this autumn. In the meantime if you have any questions, or would like any advice, please do not hesitate to contact us at the farm.