Get Ahead of the Game: Your Guide to Autumn Bulb Planting

Spring bulbs are one of the joys of gardening. They provide hope after what has usually been a good few cold months. To achieve that feeling, you need to start thinking about planting them in the autumn. The soil is still warm enough for the bulbs to start growing roots, but cool enough to prevent premature sprouting.

Come spring, your garden will explode into colour, burst into life and if you’re anything like me, you’ll have probably forgotten you’d even planted some of them.

We buy our bulbs from Taylor’s, who have been in the biz since 1919, won countless medals at RHS shows and were royally appointed by The Queen. The cream of the crop.

What to plant:

• Tulips: These classic spring flowers are a must for any garden. They come in a wide range of colours and sizes, making them perfect for adding splashes of colour to your borders.

• Daffodils: Daffodils are hardy and reliable, thriving in full sun and partial shade. They’re also less appealing to squirrels, making them a practical choice for urban gardens.

• Crocuses: One of the earliest bloomers, crocuses are a fantastic way to bring some colour to your garden after the winter months. They’re ideal for planting in lawns or at the front of borders.

• Alliums: These striking, tall bulbs are a great way to add height and drama to your garden. Their spherical flowers are a favourite of bees and other pollinators.

• Snowdrops: For a delicate, early-spring bloom, snowdrops are an excellent choice. They’re perfect for planting in shady areas under trees or shrubs.

How to plant them:

1. Choose the Right Spot: Most bulbs prefer well-drained soils and plenty of sunlight. If your garden (like most of us in London) has heavy clay soil, consider adding some bulb fibre, compost or sand to improve drainage.
2. Plant at the Right Depth: A good rule of thumb is to plant bulbs at a depth of three times their height. For example, if your bulb is 2 inches tall, plant it 6 inches deep. The packet will usually give you some idea of how deep that specific bulb will need to go.
3. Spacing Matters: Space your bulbs according to their size. Larger bulbs like tulips and daffodils should be planted about 4-6 inches apart, while smaller bulbs like crocuses can be planted closer together.
4. Plant Pointy Side Up Bulbs have a top and a bottom. The pointed end should face upwards, as this is where the stem will emerge.
5. Water Well: After planting, water your bulbs thoroughly. This helps settle the soil and provides the moisture they need to start growing.
6. Mulch: Add a layer of mulch over the planting area to help retain moisture and protect the bulbs from frost. 

It’s good to think about the structure of your bulb planting in advance. Alliums are tall and can go great at the back of borders, whereas you’ll lose a crocus anywhere but at the front.

Also, consider when the bulb will bloom. Try and space them out so you’ll have some colour throughout the spring. You wouldn’t want to have a load of snowdrops in February and then have to wait until the summer for more colour. Again, the bulb packet will usually give you some indication of when they’ll flower.