Tag Archives: spring flowering bulbs

Spring flowering bulbs

Now’s the time to plant spring flowering bulbs

The majority of spring bulbs benefit from being planted early from September onwards. Even though tulips should not be planted until November it is best to buy them now so you guarantee getting the varieties you like. Planting tulips later in the autumn helps reduce the risk of the fungal disease commonly called tulip fire. 

 

So what are ‘spring bulbs’?

Well they aren’t light bulbs but they are a similar shape! Flower bulbs are a modified plant stem, which have the purpose of storing food and water for the plant through the cold or dry season. Think of it as an underground holding tank if you will. During the growing season the bulbs will send down roots and send up shoots. These then die back and the energy stored in the bulb until the following year. Bulbs are a great investment as they cost far less than plants and if cared for correctly, should give you years of pleasure and surprises as they pop up!

Planting spring bulbs is an easy way of achieving a colour coordinated spring display. They are also perfect for planting in tubs and containers or in borders. 

 

How to plant

On the back of each of our bulb packets you will find a handy diagram showing you how far apart and how deep to plant your bulbs. Most bulbs are easy to identify which way they go up. If you use the light bulb image in your head – the bulb goes down and the tip/screw end goes upwards – just like in a ceiling light! Generally you plant bulbs three times their own diameter in depth. It is advisable to use a bulb fibre compost when planting your bulbs. 

 

What varieties?

We have lots of varieties in stock, from old favourites to new and exciting hybrids. So come and see what takes your fancy and get planting this weekend!

 

Making a bulb lasagne

If you want to know how to make your own bulb lasagne, take a look at our blog post from November  Here

 

Sedum Brilliant. A wonderful herbaceous perennial

September in the garden

As we move into autumn, all green fingered people tend to rub their hands together in glee as it is the best time to get out in your garden, tidy up, plant new plants and generally prepare for the show that is spring and summer. September in the garden is a fun time, here is a little reminder of some tasks that you may choose to do this month.

In the kitchen garden

Plant new strawberry plants to fruit next year.

Apply grease bands (available from our garden centre pest control section) to your fruit trees towards the end of this month. This deters moths.

Beware of carrot flies. Protect your crop with an insect mesh.

If you are growing a pumpkin for Halloween, to help them ripen evenly raise them up gently and rest on a bed of straw.

Sow your oriental leaves, parsley and winter radish.

If you haven’t already got them in, plant your Christmas potatoes now.

Sow green manure in vegetable beds that are being left to rest for the winter. This prevents weed growth and can be turned in for added nutrients when you need the bed.

Cut out the fruited old brown canes of berries (raspberries, blackberries etc) but leave new green canes to crop next year.

In the flower garden

Choose and buy your spring flowering bulbs now while you have maximum choice of varieties. Check the packet before planting as some varieties like tulips are best planted in November.

Aerate your lawn with a fork or specific aerator (available from our garden centres). Apply an autumn feed and weed treatment.

Net your pond to protect it from leaf fall, we’ve already done ours at our Sidmouth Road, Clyst St Mary Aquatic Centre.

Plant autumn flowering plants to fill colour gaps. Our nursery have some beautiful dianthus, cyclamen and sedums already in stock and chrysanthemums will be available towards the end of the month.

If you have a greenhouse and it is fairly empty, give it a good clean with disinfectant before putting any new crops in.

Our garden centres have all the items you need to make the most of your garden, whatever the month, so please come and visit us soon.