Bulbs are essential for Spring colour to lift the spirits. Crocuses, snowdrops, narcissi, daffodils and tulips can be grown in containers in your greenhouse ready to bring into the house. For snowdrops at Christmas plant bulbs in September, ten small bulbs per 4" pot, or ten large bulbs in a 10" pot. These can then be planted in your garden ready for a display the following year. From February onwards busy lizzies can be
sown; as a rule the smaller the seed, the earlier it should be sown.

Half hardy plants such as marigolds can be sown in April and planted out in May. Plug plants can be bought from February or March onwards.

Take cuttings from geraniums, fuschias and pelargoniums in March. Cut just below the leaf joint with a sharp knife or razor blade, thin off the two leaves and dip into hormone rooting powder. Place in a propagator 2-3"
apart, water well and the cuttings will root in two to three weeks ready to plant on.