Tulip mania

These popular blooms need planting now for a colourful spring showing

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There is no better gardening job in November than choosing and planting tulip bulbs.

Horticulturally speaking it's the right time of year - the ground is not frozen but is cold enough to reduce the possibility of a fungal disease called tulip fire.

If you are further south or in milder areas, you can leave it as late as December.

Getting them in the ground now allows time for root development so the plant is well settled in for blooming next spring.

Psychologically it’s a good time as well. There's something uplifting as you press these bulbs into the earth and imagine them in flower, the warmth of a spring day and some sunshine on your face.