Plant summer in spring
Summer bulbs are flower bulbs that are planted in spring, and flower in summer. They add cheerful colours and delightful scents to your garden. Popular summer bulbs include dahlias, gladioli, lilies and begonias – but there are many more options! Each of these flowers has its own individual charm and they are perfect for creating a varied and colourful picking garden.
Why create a picking garden?
The great thing about a picking garden is that you can always have fresh flowers in your home, without having to buy them from a florist. You can vary endlessly with different types of flowers and colours in your bouquets. What’s more, gardening and enjoying nature are wonderfully relaxing. And besides, you will also take great pride in your home-grown and picked flowers!
Planting a picking garden
- Step 1: Choose the right location – A sunny spot in your garden is perfect for summer bulbs. Flower bulbs need around six hours of sunlight per day to grow as they should.
- Step 2: Prepare the soil – Loosen the soil and remove any weeds. Add some compost or manure to fertilise the soil, if necessary. Summer bulbs should be planted in well-draining soil.
- Step 3: Plant the bulbs – Plant summer bulbs in spring, once the risk of frost has passed. Read the instructions on the packaging for the right planting depth and distance.
- Step 4: Water – Water the bulbs thoroughly after planting. Keep the soil moist, but not too wet. Regular watering is important, especially during dry periods.
Tips for growing the prettiest picking garden
- Combine different flower bulbs: Mix and match different types of summer bulbs for a colourful and varied display.
- Think about the flowering times: Plant bulbs that will flower at different times so you can have flowers all summer long.
- Pick flowers in the morning: during the night, plants absorb a lot of nutrients and recover from the heat of the previous day. This means that they will last longer if you pick them in the morning.
- Use cut flower food: Add some cut flower food to the water in the vase to keep your flowers fresher for longer.
Enjoy your own picking garden
With your own picking garden, you will enjoy fresh, home-picked flowers every day. What a great feeling to bring something pretty from your own garden into your home! What’s more, it is a fun and relaxing hobby that brings you closer to nature.
