It’s that tricky time between spring and summer bulbs.
Your daffodils need deadheading, while your tulips are probably nearing the end.
And instead of gorgeous bright blooms filling your outside space with colour, chances are that by now that bank of could look a bit past its peak.
It begs the question though – what DO you do with all those straggly, half munched leaves making a mess in your beds?
What you DON’T want to do – is cut away all the green leaves from your and , even if they’re getting on your nerves.
It may look like they’re over it – but they’re actually creating energy to store in the bulb and packing it with nutrients – to make sure it can go again next year.
And make sure you definitely – this stops both tulips and daffodils from wasting time making seeds – and helps them focus on the bulb itself.
Some experts recommend plaiting the leaves – so at least they’re tidy while they’re soaking up the sun.
I’ve done this – its actually a really mindful exercise, and at least makes it look tidy if nothing else.
And others reckon you should dig up the bulbs to store until they need planting again.
I’ve never done this – life’s too short and I don’t have the space to store them.
However there is a key handy hack you can do right now – which should boost the bulbs energy levels in the hope they’ll bless you with a 2026 showgarden.
Give them a decent dose of liquid feed this weekend – ideally a high potassium fertiliser – but any liquid feed will do.
Home Bargains are currently selling Westland All Purpose Plant Food for just £2.49.
It contains , which is a great addition to any plant feed.
Just give them a regular dose until the foliage has completely died out – and you’re giving them the best chance to return again next year.
Once the leaves have yellowed, you can get stuck in – they should come away in your hands really easily.
And then just pray to the bulb Gods that they’ll come back to bless you next year.
