Gardening Tips for September from Friends of Silloth Green

ITS TIME TO THINK ABOUT SPRING!

September is a good time to get spring bulbs like daffodils, crocus and iris reticulata planted in your borders so they have time to establish a good root system before winter. Delay planting tulips until mid October/November to avoid the risk of the fungal disease tulip fire.

If you are planting up pots for Spring have a go at a bulb lasagne for long lasting colour. Layer up a pot, at least 12 inches (30 cms) in diameter, starting with the largest and latest flowering bulbs at the bottom and smallest and earliest flowering ones at the top with compost between each layer. Incorporate horticultural grit into the compost to improve drainage, bulbs do not like to sit in wet soil, and finally top off with compost and a layer of grit for a neat finish. Place the pot somewhere sheltered, against the wall of the house or in a cold frame and await the colourful results!