DIY instant spring outdoors

Credit: Netherlands Flower Bulb Information Center

Forgot to plant your bulbs last fall? No worries, just pick up a few at your local garden centre and plant along borders and on balconies

When you’ve had enough of winter and crave spring colour, why wait? Ready-grown potted of daffodils and hyacinths (pictured above) as well as tulips and other spring bulbs are widely available during late winter and early spring at supermarkets, home centres and other retail outlets.

Replant potted tulips in outdoor containers

Potted tulips, daffodils and hyacinths are widely available in spring and suited for use indoors or out. For outdoor use, pop tulips out of their plastic pots and replant them in an outdoor container, the garden or wherever you’d like an early dose of spring. If the weather is still raw, choose a larger pot to help prevent freezing.

Replant potted hyacinths outdoors in spring

Choose young bulb plants with tight buds. Acclimate the potted plants to colder weather for a day or so, keeping them in a cold protected spot such as an unheated garage or porch. Then transplant them into a large decorative pot or even the garden if the soil is workable. Water the bulbs after planting. No other care is necessary.

Hyacinths in bloom

Hyacinths have a heady fragrance, making them perfect to place near walks and entryways.

Visit www.bulb.com for more bulb flower style and gardening tips.