Before we know it, the cold weather of winter will start to improve over the coming weeks in preparation for the arrival of spring.
And if you’re a keen gardener, you might want to start putting the work in now for that beautiful and bright display when spring does eventually roll around.
Fiona Jenkins, a gardening expert at MyJobQuote.co.uk, has shared her top tips for winter planting.
She said: “If you’re looking to plant some bulbs now and get a head start on your gardening, it’s important to know what you can and can’t plant in winter.”
“Some bulbs simply won’t be able to stand the harsh weather conditions that winter brings, and they won’t be able to bloom.”
Five flowers to plant in winter
Lilies
According to the expert, lily bulbs tend to be quite hardy and can be planted anytime from autumn until spring.
They need rich, well-draining soil as well as a sunny spot in the garden, and will grow best if they are planted 15cm to 20cm deep.
Fiona added: “If the soil in your garden is heavy or doesn’t drain well, you could plant lily bulbs in a pot or container and create a lovely potted display that you can place on your patio. Potted bulbs can later be planted in borders once they’re established.”
Liatris
The gardening expert said: “Liatris are a tough type of herbaceous perennial originating from North America.
“These plants are great for attracting wildlife, such as butterflies and bees, into your garden.
“The bulbs produce large blooms, which eventually form a clump and can then later be divided in spring.
“These bulbs must be planted in well-drained soil and should be located in an area with plenty of light. Plant these bulbs roughly 5cm deep for the best results.”
Tulips
Tulips are typically planted in the autumn, but according to gardening expert Fiona, they can still flourish if planted now.
These flowers require well-drained soil and a sunny spot in the garden, ready to bloom in April or May.
Daffodils
Fiona said: “Daffodils are best planted in autumn. However, they can still be planted in January and February and produce gorgeous blooms in spring.”
She advised loosening the soil where possible and scattering some fertiliser before placing the bulbs on top of the soil. Gardeners should avoid pushing them into the soil as this could damage the bulb.
Once the bulbs are in place, they should be covered with roughly two to four inches of mulch or finished compost, which should be refreshed regularly for the best chance of blooming.
Eucomis
Eucomis bulbs are usually planted in the spring, but it’s not too early to start them off in pots and containers. They should be planted around 15cm deep for a stunning summer display.
The expert added: “Alternatively, they can be planted out on a border once they’re actively growing. However, you should only do this after the last frost.”
