Give your bulbs a work out …

The worms have spent some time thinking of tasks in the garden for May this week. There’s quite a few to dos, like lifting bulbs or better still knowing when to lift bulbs. Follow our blog to get more daily gardening cartoons, ideas, tasks and tips.

The headline says, “ For stronger bulbs next year, let their foliage die back naturally before you dig up and store them …The cartoon shows two worms looking at some bulbs that have been dug up. One of the bulbs is rippled in what looks like muscle. One of the worms says, “Is it me or has that bulb got a six pack?”

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The wrigglers are amateur gardeners, for advice from the experts on how to look after bulbs try the RHS – they know what they’re talking about!

RHS link on bulbs and caring for them

Lifting and storing bulbs

Only lift and store bulbs where this is practical. Those naturalised in areas of grass, or planted in borders or containers where they are underneath and coming up through shrubs or Perennials. Perennials may be left in the garden during the dormant season.

Once the foliage has died down, carefully lift and clean the bulbs. Trim back roots and the outer layers of loose, flaking tunic.

Only healthy bulbs of a good size should be kept. Damaged or diseased bulbs must be discarded. Lay bulbs on a tray to dry for 24 hours to help prevent fungal rots developing in storage.

Put the bulbs in labelled paper bags or nets and store in a dry, cool place.

The Wrigglers have joined the #putpollinators first Campaign

Wild flower meadows flower for longer due to the diverse range of plants in them. That’s more flowers for you, and more food for the bees and insects. Plant one and join the Gardener’s World Put Pollinators First campaign – raising awareness of the decline of our pollinators @GWmagazine

Click to see our ‘Put Pollinators First’ page

Gardener’s world launched its #putpollinatorsfirst campaign, as part of their 30th Anniversary celebrations of BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine. See what you can do to play your part:

Join in the Gardener’s World team and pledge here

With a panel of pollinator experts, committed to helping bees and other pollinating insects to thrive, Dr Trevor Dines says, ” Since the 1930’s, over 97 percent of our wildflower meadows have been destroyed. That’s 7.5 million acres, gone. Now you can understand why our pollinators are in such trouble.”

There are 3 ideas:

Sow some pollinator meadow seeds

Create habitats for butterflies, moths and caterpillars

Make a cornfield nectar bar

By making a meadow, even on a small scale, we can provide a banquet for pollinators that’ll help them to thrive.

Here are some seed suppliers and links:

Dobies

Thomson and Morgan – how to sow wildflower seeds

RHS – How to grow a mini wild flower meadow