How to plant bulbs

in Home : Projects: Seeds and bulbs

You will need

  • Bulbs or corms, such as daffodils or crocus
  • Lawn-edging tool or spade
Do it: autumn
Takes just: 1 hour

Project categories

Overview

Spring bulbs look particularly impressive when planted informally in lawns. Many varieties of daffodil and crocus are perfect for growing under turf, and will multiply over the years to produce even bolder displays. For the greatest impact, use a single variety, planted in large drifts.

In damp areas, try planting snake's head fritillary (Fritillaria meleagris), an early flowering bulb that looks stunning when naturalised in grass.

How to do it

Cutting an H shape in the turf

1Use a spade or lawn-edging tool to cut an H shape into the turf, pushing the blade vertically through the turf.

Pushing spade to cut roots below turf

2Push the spade under the turf to cut through the grass roots, and start easing back a complete layer of turf. Do the same on the other side.

Folding back the flaps of turf

3Fold back the flaps of turf created by cutting through the H shape.

Placing bulbs on the surface of the soil

4Fork over the soil to break it up and spread out the bulbs, pointed-end up, randomly over the surface.

5Push the bulbs down firmly and fold back the flaps of turf of soil to cover the bulbs completely.

6Walk over the turf to firm it down, making sure it's level with the rest of the lawn. Then water the area generously.

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