If the longer days and milder weather weren’t an obvious sign that spring has finally arrived, the sight of tulips sprouting in gardens, parks and even supermarket shelves has certainly signalled the change in seasons.
Spring is officially tulip season, with the bulbs typically flowering between late March and mid May depending on the variation. Providing a dazzling splash of colour to any garden, the flower can be found in shades of yellow, pink, white and purple, and is easily transformed into a bouquet that can brighten your home.
Planted in late autumn, ideally between the months of September and November, the Royal Horticultural Society advises that tulips need soil “rich in organic matter” and prefer “cool moist conditions in spring” to thrive.
But if you’ve noticed your tulips have failed to bloom this spring, it might not be an issue with how or where you’ve planted them. Instead, it might be the fault of one pesky garden visitor.
Squirrels are notorious for digging up spring bulbs, especially tulips. While various methods have been shared to prevent them getting at bulbs, including planting them with daffodils which squirrels are known to avoid, or sprinkling chilli powder in order to deter them, Monty Don has offered a more straightforward way of protecting your bulbs.
After planting your bulbs, the BBC presenter and garderner has advised simply placing thorny prunings on top of them to stop squirrels from digging them up. And it’s not just squirrels that might be feasting on your bulbs, mice are also known to snack on them, but this method will also prevent them from getting at any bulbs.
One user called @themindfulseasonalist commented “It works, and it’s also wonderful synchronicity that we prune our roses just a the first tulips peep through the soil,” while another called @joann.henryphillips said “I loved this tip so much I can’t stop thinking about it! Why didn’t I think of doing that?!”.
Placing thorny prunings on top of where bulbs are planted makes it difficult for any garden visitors to get to bulbs, ensuring that they can bloom in time for spring.
You can place anything from leftover holly leaves to rose stems, with this method being a great way of using up any leftover garden waste while keeping your bulbs safe.