AUTUMN is nearly upon us and if you want your garden to look beautiful and colourful in spring, there are some bulbs you should plant now in preparation.
Doing work now to reap the benefits in spring will not only save you a job then, but it will also see your garden come to life before your eyes as the days get longer and warmer.
A gardening expert has revealed five bulbs to plant now ahead of spring for a colourful outdoor space[/caption]
Craig Wilson, gardening expert and founder of the online gardening retailer, Gardeners Dream, has shared five bulbs you should plant now to get a flourish of colour during springtime.
Craig said: “The ideal time to plant spring-flowering bulbs is in the autumn, from September to November.
“The key is to get them in the ground before the first hard frost so that they have time to establish roots.
“The soil should be cool but not frozen – this gives the bulbs a chance to settle in before winter sets in.
“Don’t worry too much about frosts; the soil acts as a natural insulator, protecting the bulbs during the colder months.
“While bulbs are generally frost-hardy, you can add frost fleece, or an extra layer of mulch or straw over the planting area to provide additional insulation against harsh frosts.”
Here are the five bulbs to get in now and Craig’s top planting recommendations…
Daffodils
Daffodils were top of the gardening pro’s list for bulbs to plant in September[/caption]
Daffodils are bright and cheerful, bringing a burst of yellow to any spring garden.
Plant daffodil bulbs about 10-15cm deep and 10cm apart in well-drained soil.
They thrive in full sun to partial shade.
After planting, give them a good drink to help them settle, but avoid overwatering as they don’t like soggy conditions.”
Tulips
Tulips should be placed 20cm deep in the ground[/caption]
Tulips offer a wide range of vibrant colours, perfect for a stunning spring display.
Tulip bulbs should go in the ground about 20cm deep and 10cm apart.
They prefer light, well-drained soil and lots of sun.
Water them well after planting, but ensure the soil stays on the drier side to prevent rot.
Crocuses
Crocuses should be placed 5cm deep and can add colour to your garden[/caption]
Crocuses are early bloomers, adding a pop of colour just as winter fades.
Plant crocus bulbs 5cm deep and space them 5-8cm apart.
They do best in well-drained soil.
They’re happy in full sun to partial shade, and the key to success is keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged.
Snowdrops
When snowdrops appear it’s a sign that spring has arrived[/caption]
Snowdrops are delicate and charming, often the first sign of spring.
Snowdrops need to be planted about 5cm deep and 5-10cm apart.
They prefer rich, well-drained soil and do well in partial to full shade.
Water them well after planting, then occasionally until they’ve settled in.
Alliums
Alliums are less well-known but provide a vibrant colour[/caption]
Alliums add architectural interest with their striking, globe-shaped flowers.
Allium bulbs should be planted 10cm deep and spaced about 15cm apart in well-drained soil. They thrive in full sun.
After planting, give them a drink, but once they’re established, they don’t need much watering.
September gardening jobs
With September starting, so does autumn, and The Sun’s Gardening Editor Veronica Lorraine has a few tasks to keep you busy as the summer sun winds down.
1. Starting thinking about Spring bulbs
Its early bulb time! As well as the more traditional daffodils, crocuses, alliums and bluebells, try snake-head fratillaries for something slightly different.
2. Remember the bees
Make sure you’re still looking after the bees with autumn flowering pollinators – like sedums, honeysuckle and asters.
3. Dig and enjoy your potatoes
Maincrop potatoes are ready to dig up – make sure you get them all so they don’t get slug damage.
4. Change your lawn mowing schedule
Raise the height of your lawn mower and start to reduce the amount of mowing you do. GIve it an autumn feed, especially if you didn’t get round to it in Summer and start to rake to remove thatch.
5. Plant out new perennials while the soil is still warm.
6. Take salvia cuttings
It’s as easy as cutting a shoot tip above a node and chucking it in a glass of water to see if it sprouts roots. Especially with tender Salvias which wont survive the winter.
7. Keep camelias well watered to make sure that buds form next year.
8. Keep on deadheading and watering your hanging baskets
They should keep going until the first frosts.
9. Get pumpkins Halloween ready
Remove any leaves shading pumpkins to make sure they’ll be ready for halloween – and make sure you keep watering them, they’re very thirsty.
10. Check on your pond
Net your pond to stop it filling with fallen leaves when the trees start to drop.
