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When is best to plant Spring bulbs?

BigbarbBigbarb Posts: 70
in Problem solving
We live in the Scottish Borders VERY close to the North Sea. Every year my garden crocus population has got less. This year I think we are down to 4 separate single flowers in the whole garden. I am planning to buy bulbs and plant a whole lot all over the garden ...but WHEN?
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  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    Autumn  :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • BigbarbBigbarb Posts: 70
    Thank you Fairygirl - what date would you consider to be Autumn in this bit of the UK?
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    September -  August as well quite often. It can be very autumnal at that time of year, but any time from then onwards is fine for crocus. 
    I lose some to squirrels, but probably to wet ground too. You might find the same, although very dry soil can shrivel them too. 
    Probably less likely to be the latter though  ;)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • BigbarbBigbarb Posts: 70
    Thank you again Fairygirl. Now to contain myself til August
  • PosyPosy Posts: 3,601
    On the other hand, why have they disappeared? If they don't like your garden or they are being eaten, buying more will be a waste. Which bulbs do really well? If it's shady and damp you might have more luck with snowdrops or fritillaria. Perhaps daffs would be less edible to local pests? Just a thought.
  • BigbarbBigbarb Posts: 70
    Oh.... thank you Posy...... I didn't think of "why?" There is good sun, it isn't waterlogged and as I said there used to be a reasonable number. I just thought they had got old and died. A house a few doors away has a carpet of crocus...and it is on an exposed corner right next to the sea
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    Are they planted deep enough @Bigbarb? If they're a bit shallow it makes them more vulnerable to all sorts. Deep, with damp soil is best for them   :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • BigbarbBigbarb Posts: 70
    We will make sure they go deep and into damp soil. Thank you for all your suggestions - I know I will always get good advice on here.  <3
  • janetfossjanetfoss Posts: 303
    Good luck with the bulbs @Bigbarb
    Don't forget to post a photo when they flower.
     :) 
  • FireFire Posts: 19,096
    You can buy some potted spring bulbs now if you would like some for a container. If you'd like snowdrops, April is a good time to buy them as whole plants ("in the green"), online.
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