Autumn is the time to plant bulbs for spring blooms, but have any of you tried forcing bulbs for indoor displays before? (Not sure I like the term forcing; encouraging perhaps?!)
I stumbled across these adorable little terracotta pots the other day and simply had to get some.
Then of course I had to think of some way of using them. I decided to try forcing snowdrops for flowers to cheer the darkness of January. I have been reading about it and apparently it is quite easy – you just have to convince the bulbs it’s a really cold winter for a while. For 15 weeks to be precise.
So tonight I nipped out into the garden before it got dark, made a free-draining potting mix (peat free multi purpose compost with added some perlite) and planted 5 little bulbs in each pot, covering them with a little more compost. I watered them well and let them drain for a few minutes, then brought each one inside, popped it into a bag to avoid unfortunate compost spillages, and tucked all three in the back of the fridge.
They’ll sit there until just after Christmas (if I can keep them safe until then!) before bringing them out into the warmer room with a bit of indirect sunlight and crossed fingers! Clay pots, some earth, and a handful of tiny brown bulbs – it’s hard to believe they’ll become anything beautiful.
At this time of year, I have learnt it’s important to plan ahead. Making use of five minutes of energy whilst I have it now, will bring a much needed lift and joy in the darkest part of the year. It’s also always good to try something new. I’ll keep you updated as to how they get on!
