'I'm a gardening expert - plant these three flowers before the start of spring'
'I'm a gardening expert - plant these three flowers before the start of spring'
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As the chill of winter starts to give way to spring, February is packed with gardening opportunities. Days are stretching out, much to the delight of green-fingered enthusiasts. Despite the changing temperatures that February brings - ranging from frosty lows of 0.5C to more moderate highs of 10C - there's no shortage of tasks for gardeners looking to burst into bloom alongside as spring and summer begin. Fiona Jenkins, a gardening guru from MyJobQuote.co.uk, has shared invaluable advice for those keen on winter planting.
She said: "If you're looking to plant some bulbs now and get a head start on your gardening, it's important to know what you can and can't plant in winter. "Some bulbs simply won't be able to stand the harsh weather conditions that winter brings, and they won't be able to bloom. "Knowing which bulbs you can plant now will help to ensure that your garden is thriving in spring," reports the Express. Among the hardy bulbs perfect for this time of year, Jenkins vouches for lilies, which can endure being planted from autumn until the curtain rise of spring. They flourish in nutrient-rich, freely draining soil and bask under sunny spots, ideally buried 15cm to 20cm deep.
She further advised: "If the soil in your garden is heavy or doesn't drain well, you could plant lily bulbs in a pot or container and create a lovely potted display that you can place on your patio. Potted bulbs can later be planted in borders once they're established.". Next on her list is Liatris. Liatris, a robust type of herbaceous perennial that's perfect for drawing wildlife like butterflies and bees into your garden, is known for its large blooms. These eventually form a clump that can be divided in the spring.
Fiona said: "These bulbs must be planted in well-drained soil and should be located in an area with plenty of light. Plant these bulbs roughly 5cm deep for the best results.". Daffodils, according to the expert, are ideally planted in the autumn. However, they can still be "planted in January and February and produce gorgeous blooms in spring". She suggested loosening the soil where possible and scattering some fertiliser before placing the bulbs on top of the soil. Gardeners should avoid pushing them into the soil as this could damage the bulb.
