November Planting Guide: Spring Bulbs

November is here, and there is a nip in the air. While the colder weather might make us think the growing season is over, it’s actually the perfect time to plan your spring garden. Planting bulbs now will reward you with vibrant blooms next year. Whether you’re dreaming of cheerful daffodils or stunning tulips, there’s a huge variety of spring bulbs to choose from!

Choosing Your Spring Bulbs

A great place to start your bulb-shopping journey is your local nursery, but if you’re looking for more variety, check out Farmer Gracy’s online catalogue. I personally love browsing their bulb selection—so many weird and beautiful species with colours and patterns I didn't know existed.

• When do they bloom? Spring bulbs have different flowering times, from early bloomers like crocuses to late-spring tulips.
• Where will they go? Are you planting in pots, a border, or perhaps going for a more natural look in a lawned area?
• What look are you aiming for? A coordinated bloom or a staggered, all-season display?

Building a Blooming Timeline

If you want a flower display that lasts all spring, plan your bulb arrangement based on blooming periods. By mixing bulbs with different bloom times, you can ensure your garden is vibrant all season long. For example:

• Early Spring (February - March): Crocuses, snowdrops, and some daffodils bloom early in the season, bringing the first signs of colour.
• Mid Spring (March - April): Scilla, hyacinths, and many types of tulips come next, adding layers of colour and texture.
• Late Spring (April - May): Some daffodil varieties and later tulip varieties provide a final burst of colour as spring turns to summer.

Preparing Your Planting Area

Once you’ve chosen your bulbs and planned the arrangement, it’s time to prep the soil.

• Soil Conditioning: Add fresh compost to rejuvenate the soil. If you’re using your own compost, make sure it’s well-rotted.
• Improving Drainage: For clay-heavy soil, mix in potting grit or perlite to improve drainage. Remember, a waterlogged bulb is an unhappy bulb!
• Planting Depth: As a general rule, plant bulbs at a depth that’s about three times their size. For instance, if a bulb is 5cm tall, dig a hole 15cm deep. And don’t forget—plant them with the pointy end up so they can sprout properly!
• Watering: After planting, give your bulbs a good watering. If they’re outdoors, nature will take over from here, with winter rains providing all the moisture they need.

Essential Planting Tools

Having the right tools can make planting more enjoyable and efficient. Here are some favourites:

• Garden Kneeler: Essential for keeping your knees dry and comfortable while you work in chilly, damp soil. It also doubles as a handy seat! I'm using the British Bloom Kneelo Garden Kneeler. It is both stylish and practical.
• Gardening Apron: Perfect for staying clean, and with deep pockets to store gloves, tools, and other essentials. A must have for hands-free gardening!
• Gloves: A must for working in cold, wet conditions. There is nothing worse than having your fingers go cold and stiff while you work! I love the British Bloom Gardening Gloves—they match my kneeler and add a touch of style. Who says you can’t look good while gardening?
• Gardening Trug: My trusty Traditional Wooden Trug has been by my side through every season, from summer flower cutting to autumn vegetable picking. Now, it’s perfect for holding my tools and all those bags of bulbs!

Planting-Specific Tools

For the actual planting, consider these tools:

• Groundbreaker Trowel: Essential for turning soil and mixing in compost, especially in tougher, compacted areas. This sturdy trowel makes prepping your garden beds a breeze!
• Shrub Rake: Perfect for leveling soil in borders and clearing away debris. Its compact size is ideal for working in tighter spaces where a full-size rake would be awkward.
• Dibber: Great for creating uniform planting holes for small bulbs. Just press it into the soil to get consistent depth, ensuring your bulbs are planted neatly and evenly.
• Bulb Planter: The go-to tool for planting larger bulbs or planting directly in the lawn. It easily cuts through grass and soil, leaving the perfect-sized hole for your bulbs—ideal for those hard-to-reach spots in your garden.

Get Ready for Spring with Our Bulb Planting Sets

In honour of spring bulb planting season, we’ve curated some special bulb planting sets to make your gardening easier. Each set includes a garden trug, dibber, bulb planter, and gardening gloves—everything you need to get started on your spring garden. For those looking to invest in top-quality tools, the Burgon & Ball Bulb Planting Set adds a touch of luxury to your toolkit and is built to last season after season.

Happy planting, and here’s to a beautiful spring garden bursting with colour! Whether you're an experienced gardener or just starting out, planting bulbs in November will bring a sense of accomplishment—and a stunning reward come springtime.