As spring approaches, gardening enthusiasts are gearing up to create a vibrant summer garden. Experts recommend planting bulbs now to enjoy a beautiful, flourishing garden throughout the summer without breaking the bank.
March is the perfect time to plant summer-flowering bulbs such as alliums, lilies, gladiolus, crocosmia and dahlias. These bulbs thrive as the soil warms up, ensuring a spectacular display of colour in the coming months. According to recent search trends, the most popular bulbs among UK gardeners right now include crocus, lily leek and snake’s head.
These choices not only add visual appeal but also attract pollinators, helping to maintain a thriving garden ecosystem, according to experts at Yell. To ensure a bountiful and long-lasting floral display, gardening professionals at Yell suggest starting tender bulbs indoors if the ground is still cold or waterlogged.
Soaking bulbs before planting can help wake them up and encourage healthy growth. Choosing a sunny, well-drained location is essential for bulbs like lilies, dahlias, and gladiolus, while shady gardens benefit from planting snowdrops, bluebells, and cyclamen.
Planting bulbs at least twice their depth ensures optimal growth, and improving drainage in heavy clay soil by adding grit or compost can prevent waterlogging.
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Watering after planting helps settle the soil and removes air pockets, and protecting tender plants from frost using fleece or cloches at night ensures their survival. Once growth appears, feeding plants with a balanced fertiliser will promote healthy blooms.
Beyond bulbs, gardening expert James Ewens, commercial director at Green Feather, highlighted a few standout plants that could also benefit from an early planting.
“Sunflowers are a cheerful addition to any garden and perfect for attracting birds and pollinators. Plant in full sun with well-draining soil,” Ewens advised.
“They are drought-tolerant but will perform best with consistent watering. Stake tall varieties to prevent them from falling over, and see how high you can get them to grow.”
Peonies, while a bit fussier, produce breathtaking blooms in spring. “Peonies require full sun and well-drained soil,” Ewens explains. “Once planted, avoid disturbing their roots, so be 100% certain of positioning. Water deeply but ensure good drainage to avoid root rot.”
For a more structured and long-lasting garden, Ewens suggests planting daylilies, lavender, hydrangeas, and lilacs.
“Daylilies prefer full sun or light shade with well-draining soil, but they are hardy blooms and are drought-tolerant once established, requiring minimal maintenance,” he said.
“Lavender is perfect for attracting pollinators. Plant lavender in full sun and well-draining soil – it thrives in slightly dry conditions once established. Prune back in late winter or early spring to encourage new growth and prevent it from becoming woody.”