As we transition into the heart of spring, it is incredibly easy to fall into a sense of complacency regarding our garden maintenance. After all, the winter months were characterised by a deep, passive dormancy, during which our plants required almost nothing from us.

Combined with the reputation of “April showers” providing a constant, reliable drizzle, many gardeners assume that nature is doing all the heavy lifting. However, this is precisely the time when a little extra intervention can make a significant difference in your floral displays.

While tulips are famously hardy, they enter a phase of intense metabolic demand once they begin growing strongly. If you have tulips in pots or containers, they are particularly vulnerable to drying out because they lack the deep moisture reserves of the open ground. I make it a strict rule to water my potted tulips at least once a week during this peak growth period. Even if the sky looks overcast, the dense leaves can act like an umbrella, directing rain away from the soil and leaving the bulbs thirsty underneath.

It is a common misconception that watering at this stage is solely about the current season’s performance. While consistent hydration might help the petals stay turgid and extend the life of the blooms by a few extra days, the real benefit is an investment in the future. Once the flowers eventually fade, the green foliage remains, working like a solar panel to recharge the bulb for the following year.

By keeping tulips well-watered now, you ensure the leaves stay healthy and vibrant for as long as possible. This sustained photosynthesis allows the bulb to swell and store the energy necessary to produce another spectacular show next spring. Neglecting them now doesn’t just risk a shorter display today; it often leads to “blind” bulbs or underwhelming growth in the seasons to come.