Getting the most from bulbs

Ruth takes steps to make sure her bulbs do their best

- Ruth Hayes

WHO doesn’t rejoice at the sight of the first snowdrops peeping through hard frozen ground towards the end of January, reminding us that spring is – at last! – on its way?

By the time we get to early March, the season of early spring bulbs is in full swing, our gardens and parks a riot of colour created by daffodils and tulips, tall blue camassia, crocuses, fritillaries and a host of other welcome returning blooms.

Although we say that bulbs are one of the easiest and most versatile ways of adding plants to the garden, this doesn’t mean they don’t need care while they are growing.

To get the best results year after year you need to treat the plants as you would any other. Deadhead, water and feed with a liquid tomato fertiliser to boost flowering and bulk up the bulb for the following year.

Never tie or remove the leaves after flowering as they need to be left attached so they replenish the bulbs as they wither and fade.