Gardening in Chichester

As September draws to a close and autumn guilds the trees, it is the perfect time to start tidying the garden for the cold winter ahead and preparing the earth to ensure glorious springtime colour.

Now is an ideal time to plant a variety of spring bulbs, which, if planted before the first frost will create a myriad of colour and scent which signals the end of the long winter and the promise of new life. Daffodils, tulips, crocuses, snowdrops and hyacinths are amongst the many bulbs which can be planted now in order to ensure a wonderful display of spring colour in flower beds, pots and at the base of trees and bushes.

When choosing your bulbs, make sure that they are as fresh as possible and avoid any that are damaged, shrivelled of soft. Choose bulbs that are plump and feel firm when squeezed and try to make sure that you plant them within a week of purchase to prevent them sprouting.

To ensure healthy, strong plants it is worth preparing the soil before planting, by digging in compost, ideally down to around 18 inches. Phosphorous is particularly beneficial to the development of the roots, so mix this in with your soil and compost before popping in the bulbs and covering them snugly with earth

.Brick Kiln Nursery stock a huge range of bulbs and winter shrubs which are all very reasonably priced and their staff are friendly and knowledgeable. Manor Nursery is a very popular garden centre with Chichester residents due to its excellent range of plants and bulbs plus the family run atmosphere. This nursery stocks Taylor’s bulbs which are a trusted brand within the gardening world, and will be very happy to give you any advice that you might need when planting.

Hiller and Wyevale Garden Centres both offer the opportunity to join their Garden Club, which entitles members to special offers, free gifts, events and talks whilst offering a large choice of plants, bulbs and plugs.

Russels garden centre is a real treat for the gardening enthusiast as they stock everything from bird feeders to gardening tools, BBQs to bulbs and even furniture and home accessories. Their excellent café offers light snacks and delicious meals so why not make a real day of it. Just a point to remember; Russels is a family run business who firmly believe in ‘keeping Sunday’s special’. Therefore, they are closed for trading on Sundays throughout the year.

If you have a real passion for gardening or would like to learn more, then West Dean Garden’s offer a number of Garden lectures and courses throughout the year. The lectures cover a wide variety of topics including tending the small garden, growing vegetable to sell and caring for an allotment and are aimed at all levels of gardening experience.