People must start planting bulbs for spring now

17:02 30th September 2011

Greenhouse enthusiasts hoping for beautiful blooms come February have been advised to start planting spring bulbs now by the Ecologist.

According to the Ecologist's Green Living expert Ruth Styles, autumn is the peak season for planting spring flower bulbs as the winter months provides them with much needed time to put roots down so they can blossom in the sun.

Managing director of gardening specialists Sparrow and Finch Samantha Major said people should check the health of bulbs before planting them.

"Discard any that are damaged, shrivelled or feel soft, and go for plump, firm bulbs," she added.

Ms Major also suggests planting flowers at the base of trees, as it is moist and light, which offers the perfect growing conditions and it can also transform a dull looking garden as bulbs often colour before trees.

Pippa Greenwood of the Gardeners World said in her blog that autumn is the ideal time to plant deciduous trees and shrubs as warm soil and moisture promotes good root development.