Spring bulbs should be planted from September up until November. Planting late is fine however this may result in a blind bulb, a blind bulb doesn’t flower the first year, but a good feed will restore the energy required for next year’s flower. Clear your chosen area of weeds and loosen the soil, using a border fork or a hand fork.

Mix in Miracle-Gro Bulb Fibre with the soil to create some fresh, fertile soil for the roots. To get the best out of your bulbs Empathy Bulb Starter is a great choice for increasing nutrient intake, improving and prolonging flowering and aiding germination. Its biologically active and is designed to encourage strong healthy plants year after year.

As a general rule dig a hole about two and half times deeper than the size of the bulb, this may vary depending on variety so always check the packaging beforehand or refer to the handy guide below.

We recommend using a bulb planter, long or short. A bulb planter will retain the soil, making it easier and quicker to plant your bulbs. Finally plant the bulb pointy side up with the flat base (roots) pointing down and cover the bulb with compost.

Another helpful tip for bulb planting is to plant them in a bulb basket. It’s simple to use and allows you to lift the bulbs up for storing after the flowering season has ended. Just layer your basket with soil and place your bulbs inside making sure they are the recommended distance apart, then bury the basket at the required depth complete with the bulbs.

Remember as the bulbs start to die off, they will continue to take in sunlight and store food ready for the next flowering season, let the foliage die down naturally before you lift and store them. You can store them in sawdust somewhere cool and dark.

If remembering to lift the bulbs every year is not a possibility, many species of tulips can be left indefinitely, providing they are planted in a good sunny position with good drainage. You can also leave the common snowdrop Galanthus nivalis in the ground to increase year after year. Clumps scan be divided after flowering.

Looking to add a twist to your bulb planting this year?

Check out our latest video, where Al walks you through creating a beautiful layered bulb planter, step by step!