Planting daffodil bulbs is an easy and fun way to bring bright colour and happiness to your garden. These cheerful flowers pop up in spring and come back every year, reminding us that warmer weather is on its way. At Nethercott House, a group of young farmers and gardeners rolled up their sleeves and got their hands dirty to show you how! We planted ours in a container, but you can also plant them in a little patch of soil, in a flower border or even in your lawn!
What you’ll need:
- Daffodil bulbs. These can be purchased in a garden centre, some high street store including some supermarkets and online. Choose healthy looking, firm bulbs.
- A container with drainage holes. It is best if this is 20cm+ deep.
- Multi-purpose compost or bulb planting compost.
What to do:
- Fill the container with compost. Add compost until the pot is about two-thirds full. You can mix in a little grit for extra drainage if you like, but as long as there are drainage holes in the bottom of the container it’s not necessary.
- Position the bulbs by placing them on top of the compost, pointed end up and about 2-3cm apart. In a container, you can pack them closer for a fuller display.
- Cover the bulbs with more compost until the tips are just buried (about twice the height of the bulb). Gently firm the surface with your hands.
- Water the pot thoroughly after planting to settle the compost around the bulbs.
- Put the pot in a cool, sheltered spot outdoors over winter. The bulbs need a cold period to develop properly.
Aftercare
- Keep the compost moist but not soggy – daffodils don’t like to be wet for long periods.
- When shoots appear in spring, move the pot to a sunny spot.
- After flowering, let the leaves die back naturally before removing them. You can store the bulbs in a cool, dry place and then replant next year.
We hope you enjoy your beautiful spring blooms. We’d love to see how get on – share your daffodil planting photos with us on social media using #FarmsForCityChildren!
