Get the planting basics right

Good planting encourages healthy growth and flowering

WHEN planting summer and autumn bulbs, first check the packet and plant them in the right situation (sun, shade, or dappled shade).

Most will thrive in a sunny spot, though some will tolerate light shade. Tall varieties are best planted somewhere sheltered so they aren’t knocked over and damaged by storms.

Bulbs need free-draining soil if they are to grow well and be less prone to rotting, so heavy soils should be opened up and lightened by forking in lots of well-rotted manure or compost, with added grit. Adding manure and compost also improves light, stony soil by bulking it out, adding nutrients and helping it retain moisture.

Bulbs should be planted at three times their depth, and roughly a bulb’s width apart. The exceptions are nerine bulbs, which should have their top third above ground.