Layer by layer

It might seem complicated, but just like making lasagne, lasagne planting is not difficult. Use a generously sized container or balcony pot that has holes in the bottom to let excess water drain away. Cover the bottom with a thin layer of hydroponic clay pebbles and then a 10-cm layer of potting compost. On top of this, plant the first layer of bulbs. To make a pretty display, they can be planted almost side by side. Cover the first layer with about 5 cm of potting compost, and plant the next layer of bulbs. These can also be planted closely together, but leave a few millimetres between them for the young leaves to grow. Scatter potting compost over this second layer of bulbs and plant the third and last layer on top. Then fill the pot up with more potting compost. Gently tamp down the potting compost and give your bulbs a nice drink of water. The pot is now ready to produce a rich display of flowers in the spring. You can also use the lasagne planting method in your garden – this will work just as well.

An explosion of colours

You might want to create a real explosion of colours by planting bulbs that flower simultaneously. It’s also fun to experiment with different flowering periods. If you do this, you can enjoy weeks of colour in your garden until the first perennials start to grow and bloom. Crocus ‘Flower Record’ blooms nice and early, while a tulip like ‘Couleur Cardinal’ and hyacinth ‘Woodstock’ won’t produce flowers until weeks later.