Plants

Growing plants and bulbs

Bulbs, plug plants and garden ready plants from The Organic Gardening Catalogue are high quality products available at prices to suit all budgets. For a cost-effective option, our strong and healthy plug plants get your garden or veg patch off to a flying start. If you want to enjoy an established garden in a short timescale, simply order our ornamental plants and a variety of colourful bulbs that will return every year and naturalise over time. You’ll have colour, interest and structure in no time!

How to plant bulbs

Plant bulbs with the roots down, and the pointy end up. As a rough guide, bury them to a depth of two-three times their own height, and about the same distance apart. Refill the hole and firm gently to remove any air pockets. Water well if the ground is dry. Avoid walking over bulbs after you’ve planted them, or you may damage them – placing a marker into the soil will help you remember where they are.

When to plant bulbs

Plant your spring-flowering bulbs like daffodils and crocuses in September. Tulips should go into the ground a little later, in November. Most summer-flowering bulbs are also best planted in September, although some tender varieties are planted during the spring, when the ground has warmed and the risk of frost has passed. Always check the growing instructions on the relevant product page, or for more general information about growing bulbs, check out our Bulbs and Bareroots Growing Guide

How to store bulbs

Many bulbs are perfectly happy to stay in the ground after flowering, where they’ll gradually naturalise over time. If you do wish to dig up and store your bulbs, first give them a clean and then place them on a tray or newspaper to dry for a day or so. Pack bulbs loosely in a net, paper bag or cardboard box, separating the layers with crumbled newspaper. Store them away somewhere dry, cool, and dark – the garage or a dry shed is ideal.