Spring bulbs to plant in autumn.

Nothing lights up the garden better than spring bulbs – they provide a burst of color before most perennials, trees and shrubs have got going and mark the start of longer, brighter days. With a bit of planning, you can enjoy color from bulbs from February until May.

Spring-flowering bulbs are planted in autumn. They can be planted directly into borders and most grow very well in pots, making them perfect for patios and smaller gardens. As a rule of thumb, bulbs need to be planted at a depth of around three times their size. Spring bulbs generally need sun or partial shade and free-draining soil, so if your soil is very heavy, incorporate some horticultural grit when planting.

Plant as many spring bulbs as you can afford or have room for – they really do look best planted en masse, whether in the ground or in pots. Some will happily naturalize in undisturbed areas under trees or in lawns, creating a natural-looking carpet of color.