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With the end of winter in sight, you might want to get started on making your garden look colourful and full of life once more. Planting spring bulbs can be a great way to do this. It’s easy to do if you follow the correct steps, but it does require a bit of forward planning. If you’re wondering how to plant spring bulbs after winter, you might already be too late, as most spring bulbs need to be planted the autumn before – typically between September and November.
It’s never too late to prepare the ground for the next season though, and it’s generally a good idea to get rid of weeds before planting new seeds or bulbs. Using a weed membrane can be an effective way to block weeds and is generally a more eco-friendly method than using chemical weed killers.
Knowing when to plant flower bulbs is just as important as knowing how to plant them. If you want them emerging to greet the spring, you should generally be planting them in the early autumn and before the first frost. Ideally, they should be planted when soil temperatures fall to between 4°C and 10°C, though the time at which this temperature drop occurs can vary from one year to the next.
In general, though, September is the perfect choice for many varieties, such as snowdrops, crocus and daffodils, as it gives them time to settle in and start developing roots before the cold weather comes. The main exception are tulips, as they need a slightly colder start and will usually grow better if planted in November.
When it comes to actually planting bulbs in spring, some flowering plants such as dahlias, gladioli and lilies can be planted in late spring for blooming in the summer.
A bulb is a kind of food storage system that allows the plant to lay dormant underground until the conditions are right for the flowers to emerge. There are a number of different kinds, which offer different colours, fragrances and blooming times.
Some of the most popular include:
Here’s our step-by-step guide on how to plant bulbs for spring flowers.
Choose a spot that has good, well-drained soil and no weeds. Most spring bulbs prefer a sunny location, though some, such as snowdrops and narcissi (daffodils), can also grow well in partial shade. You can also add compost as fertiliser or add grit to heavy soil for drainage.
It’s important to plant bulbs at the right depth to give them the protection they need while still allowing the chutes and flowers to break through. The general rule of thumb is to plant bulbs at a depth of around three times their own height. There are exceptions though. For example, hyacinths and camissas (wild hyacinths) should be at a depth of twice their own height.
Dig a hole that is wide and deep enough to plant all your bulbs. A trowel is generally suitable for this.
Place the bulbs in the soil with the pointed ends facing upwards. If you do plant them upside down, they will still usually emerge (after performing a U-turn!) but may take longer and might not last as long. If it’s hard to tell because both ends look equally pointed, placing the bulb on its side may be the best bet. When planting multiple bulbs at the same time, leave gaps of at least twice the bulb’s width between each one.
Cover with soil gently and pat into place with the back of a rake or trowel. This gentle firming will help get rid of any air pockets and ensure that the bulbs stay in place. Do not tread the soil into place though, as the pressure may harm the bulbs underneath.
You can water the bulbs after the initial planting to help the soil bed in, but avoid this if it is a particularly wet autumn and the soil is already wet. Bulbs do not generally need watering through the autumn and winter in typical UK conditions, but you may need to water them when chutes appear if it is a dry spring.
You can use sticks or tags to mark your bulb areas so that they do not get planted over or trampled before they start to chute. Mulch can help protect them from the weather and visitors including squirrels. A weed membrane around your bulb areas can also help prevent weeds from establishing themselves and taking the nutrients and growing space. Find out more about how to lay weed membrane and how it can help.
A gorgeously vibrant and colourful spring garden is easy to achieve if you plan ahead and follow a few simple steps in choosing and planting your spring bulbs. It’s important to plant them correctly though and to protect them from the weather, predatory squirrels and competition from weeds.
A weed membrane can be a great eco-friendly way to protect against weeds, as it forms a physical barrier that blocks the sunlight while allowing water and vital nutrients to pass into the soil. Careful placement means that it can block unwanted weeds while allowing your spring bulbs and other plants to thrive. Take a look at our entire range for more ideas on creating your dream outdoor spaces.
You should plant bulbs in the autumn before, as the plants need to establish and grow through winter and early spring. Most spring bulbs should be planted in September, but tulips will generally fare better if planted in November.
Most bulbs do not need to be soaked before planting and this can actually cause them to rot. Some corms – which are similar to bulbs but harder and drier – may benefit from being soaked for a few hours. These may include anemones and ranunculus.
September is the perfect time to plant most spring bulbs, though tulips will generally benefit from being planted a bit later in the season.
Spring-flowering bulbs need a winter chill to grow, so they should be planted in the autumn. However, ready-grown potted plants can be transferred to the garden in the spring. Some bulbs, such as dahlias, gladioli and lilies, can also be planted in late spring to come up in the summer.
The pointy end should face upwards, but on some bulbs it can be difficult to tell which end this is. If you’re unsure, just plant it sideways, and it will adapt.
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