Monty Don shares 10-second tulip hack to ensure flowers 'last longer'

dailyrecord.co.uk:

Monty Don has shared some fresh advice to help gardeners improve their outdoor space this spring. April has officially begun and with the new month comes a number of tasks those with green-fingers need to undertake in the spring season.

One of the gardening expert's tips concerns tulips, which should be done weekly to keep them thriving. The gorgeous flowers can be grown in flower beds, but they also do well in pots.

According to The Gardening Book author, tulip growers should ensure they water them at least once a week, even if April showers occur.

Writing on his blog, Monty explained: "Because they have been so passive for months and because April is traditionally so showery, it is easy to overlook the fact that tulips need water once they are growing strongly, so I water those growing pots weekly."This will not affect flowering this year (although it might make the blooms last longer) but will help the foliage which in turn makes a big difference to next year's bulbs."Tulips aren't the only buds that thrive in pots, with potted lilies being a firm favourite for Monty, who says they offer "one of the best and most fragrant of summer displays".Most lilies prefer an ericaceous soil, apart from Madonna Lilies work better in an alkaline form.