SPRING bulbs are now appearing on the shelves in garden centres up and down the country and one of the first bulbs to be planted are the prepared Hyacinths which have to be planted into pots for flowering for Christmas.

These need to be planted over the next couple of weeks and once planted into pots of bulb fibre or peat-free compost they should be moved into a plunge – which means put into a dark place and kept there for about eight to ten weeks.

Other bulbs such as daffodils can be planted anytime over the next month, either in pots or large containers or in outdoor borders.

There are smaller varieties such as Tete-a-Tete or Jet-Fire which are good for the front of a border or for rockeries.

Large daffodils such as the large trumpet types with different coloured centres bring a sparkling yellow colour to the early days of spring creating a brightness to the garden after the dull days of winter.

Other bulbs such as snowdrops and crocus can be planted over the coming weeks but crocus bulbs are often eaten by squirrels and more often by mice who absolutely love them.

To safeguard bulbs some gardeners put wire over the soil but these little animals are clever creatures. Much more effective is to place some grated soap on top of the soil where you planted your crocus bulbs. Doing this will certainly keep mice and squirrels away from your crocus bulbs.

Do not plant tulip bulbs before November or you will live to regret doing this.