There's something lovely about planting bulbs in autumn. You tuck them into the soil while the garden is winding down, then almost forget about them. A few months later, the first shoots appear and spring is on its way. Whether you have a large garden or just a couple of pots by the front door, now is the time to plan that first burst of colour.

Which bulbs should you plant? 

Daffodils and narcissi are hard to beat for cheerful spring colour. There are little varieties for pots and borders, as well as taller ones that look wonderful planted in groups. Tulips bring a different feel to the garden, from soft, elegant colours to bold, bright displays. They're particularly lovely in pots where you can enjoy them up close. For early flowers, try crocuses, snowdrops, winter aconites and dwarf irises. Then there are hyacinths for colour and fragrance, grape hyacinths for little clusters of blue, and bluebells for a more natural look. Alliums take over later in spring, adding those striking round flower heads just as many of the earlier bulbs are finishing. You don't need to choose just one. Planting a mixture gives you something to look forward to over several months. 

How deep should bulbs go? 

A handy rule is to plant a bulb at around three times its own height, measured from the base of the bulb to the soil surface. So a large daffodil or tulip bulb needs a properly deep hole; the small bulbs sit nearer the surface. Always check the packet too, as different varieties can have their own preferences. Place bulbs with the pointed end upwards, cover them with soil and give them a drink if the ground is dry. If you're planting several together, make a group rather than lining them up like soldiers. It tends to look much more natural when they flower. Pots are brilliant for bulbs. Make sure yours have drainage holes, use fresh compost, and try planting different bulbs in layers: larger bulbs lower down and smaller ones above, with soil between them. It's an easy way to get a long display from one container. Most spring bulbs can go in during autumn. Daffodils are best planted early, while tulips are often planted later in autumn. Don't leave bulbs sitting in a bag for weeks if you can help it: get them into the ground or a pot while they're firm and healthy. 

Looking after them through winter

Bulbs are quite capable of coping with a normal Kent winter. Their bigger enemy is sitting in cold, soggy soil, so choose a spot that drains well and make sure containers can drain freely. If a pot is very exposed, move it to a more sheltered position during prolonged severe weather. Once the bulbs flower, resist the temptation to tidy away the leaves too soon. Let the foliage die back naturally: it helps the bulb store energy for next year's flowers. 

What about mice and squirrels? 

If squirrels treat your freshly planted pots as a digging opportunity, lay a securely fixed piece of chicken wire over the top after planting. Remove it when the shoots begin to emerge. For bulbs in the ground, a wire cover or a bulb basket with a wire top can help protect a favourite planting spot. Tulips and crocuses are especially tempting to squirrels; planting tulips among daffodils may also help reduce losses. Where mice or other small rodents are a problem, a sturdy wire bulb basket provides a physical barrier. It's also worth clearing up any loose bulb skins after planting so you don't advertise exactly where the new bulbs are. The best part is that a little effort now brings such a welcome reward later. On a chilly spring morning, when the first crocus opens or a pot of daffodils suddenly comes into flower, you'll be very glad you planted them. 

Come and see us at Gardening World Limited in Newington for autumn bulbs, pots and compost, and have a chat about what you'd like to grow this spring.