Potting up bulb lasagne

Q As we only have a small outdoor space, I am tempted by the idea of lasagne bulb planting in a pot. Have you tried it, was it successful and have you any tips on planting the bulbs? Jenny Minchin, Swindon, Wiltshire

- Anne Swithinbank

A In small spaces it can feel as though every inch counts in the struggle to grow as many different plants as possible. Instead of adding one variety of daffodil, hyacinth or tulip to a container, lasagne planting allows for two to five layers of different kinds.

A deep container is half-filled with compost and the first layer of late-flowering bulbs (usually tulips) added. The compost goes in, leaving the bulb noses proud, and another layer is nestled in between them (perhaps an earlier flowering tulip or multi-headed daffodil like ‘Sailboat’). In goes more compost and then the final layer, usually of smaller bulbs to flower first – perhaps crocus, scilla or species tulip. A final compost layer finishes the planting and from February or March waves of bulbs rise up to bloom. Watering and deadheading are top maintenance jobs.