Helping bulbs repeat flower

Feed bulbs as they die back each year, says Ruth

- Ruth Hayes

EACH autumn, most of us are tempted into buying more spring-flowering bulbs for our gardens, either because we have gaps to fill or because those planted in previous years have stopped flowering as well as they did.

However, action you take now can save bulbs from faltering, and save your pennies in a few months' time.

Bulbs that flowered earlier in spring will be dying back now, their spent flower stems and withering leaves making your garden look untidy. But hold fire before chopping them off or even knotting them into neat stands.

This dying foliage is the secret to next year's floral successes, returning energy to the bulbs as it withers away. If this is disrupted in any way it can reduce flowering in subsequent years, so bear with the dying leaves and leave them for around six weeks if you can.

The same applies to any bulbs naturalised in your lawn, so be extra vigilant around them when you mow.