Ever felt envious of a neighbour’s spring display of flowers? A sea of bountiful blooms and colour all in one spot that doesn’t seem to tire throughout the season. Well, we have a trick up our sleeves to share with you that makes producing outstanding spring shows of flowers as easy as plant, water, and enjoy!
Bulbs are ideal for those who are cramped on space but still want to bask in vibrant flowers come the springtime. Even smaller balconies and patios can play host to stunning early season blooms by planting bulbs in snazzy pots and containers.
Try “Lasagne Planting” your bulbs this year, and in truth it’s very simple to do, yet outstandingly impactful!
Picture your various bulbs layered on top of one-another, just like the layers of a lasagne, organised by similar flower size and growing time, each emerging from the ground at different times to show off their texture and colour.
So, in just one bulb growing section of your garden, you can have many different varieties of flowers, bursting in a colourful array across a longer period – what a reward! Picture daffodils popping up in March, followed by tulips in April and May in the same space, without lifting a finger.
In truth, the concept of “Lasagne Planting” is straightforward. Plant the largest and longest-blooming bulbs at the bottom of the planting hole, with the smallest and shortest-flowering varieties on the top.
To get started, cover the base of the pot or planting hole with gravel and a thick layer of compost, then plant your first layer of bulbs. Cover this layer with compost and repeat the process two or three times for a lasagne that although won’t be edible, will still look absolutely fantastic come March or April!
How to Plant a Bulb Lasagne
Bottom: Plant the largest and longest-blooming bulbs, such as Crown Imperials.
Middle: Bulbs ideally suited for pot growth, such as Narcissus ‘Trumpet Yellow’ and Tulip ‘Queen of the Night’.
Top: Plant the smallest and shortest-blooming bulbs. Add an extra touch of style by mixing in some winter bedding plants to welcome colour from October through to next summer!
Buying Your Bulbs
Get ahead and buy your bulbs as soon as possible so they’re not left sitting around for too long and risk drying out. The best bulbs for you are the newest and freshest you can get!
Check the bulbs are smooth and firm, not soft and squishy, and make sure there’s no obvious damage to the bulbs – especially on the flat base where the roots are. For the best results you want the best quality bulbs.
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