Spring bulb season is here!

Start planting now for a bright start to the year, said Ruth

- Ruth Hayes

AS one gardening year starts to fade into autumn, it's time to plan for the next, which is why this week I've been starting to plant more spring bulbs.

Bulbs are an economical and relatively easy way of adding colour to the garden and with autumn planting you can create months of interest next year, from snowdrops and yellow aconites to the early summer delights of alliums, bluebells and lily of the valley.

Bulbs thrive in soil that is fertile and free-draining so if yours is heavy and water-retaining either plant bulbs in containers (see P5) or dig in grit and lots of well-rotted manure or compost to open up its structure and improve drainage.

Thin and chalky soil may drain well, but it loses nutrients fast, so it will also benefit from added well-rotted organic matter and maybe even a scattering of chicken manure pellets.