Are your spring bulbs sprouting too early? Don't panic just yet; here's what you need to do

With the autumn months here, our gardens have started to change, but in ways we perhaps didn't expect. One of these unusual changes you may have noticed is your spring bulbs sprouting earlier than normal.

If you've followed the recommended timeline for when to plant your spring bulbs that you might have already done all your planting in September hoping for early spring blooms. However, with the changes in seasonal climates in recent years, this normal growth pattern from plants like tulips and daffodils is at risk of altering.

So if you are planting and growing tulips this year, but have noticed they've uncharacteristically begun sprouting in October, don't panic; you're not alone.

If you've been outside completing your October gardening jobs, you may have seen some surprising growth action in your spring bulb pots. Turns out it might be rather common this year.

"Something you might find rather interesting is that these tulips that I planted last year, they flowered, they did amazing, they died off, but they seem to be coming back in October," starts Ish Kamran, garden expert and designer at @gardening.with.ish on Instagram.

"Last time I checked, tulips come out from March, April time. So, why so early?" he asks.

"As you probably know, the weather and season and even the climate have changed quite a bit over the last few years and tulips just aren't used to it. They're used to a slightly colder winter which kick-starts them, and then a springtime," says Ish.

"But you may notice that the weather hasn't really felt autumnal, but has felt a little more like spring. We've had cold mornings with dew, and we've even had nice warm days throughout," he continues.

You won't have to totally give up hope on your bulbs giving you a colour spring display; they'll just need a little help to get through the colder months.

"So, these tulips, unfortunately, think it's spring. What on earth do we do next?" Ish says.

"Well, here's the situation. Two things might happen. They may actually grow and form tulips, but chances are it's going to get colder in the next couple of months, and these are just going to lie dormant as foliage only until spring next year," he explains.

"All you really need to do is just get a good layer of multi-purpose compost or some mulch straight over the top. As a result, they'll be absolutely fine, and the bulb will be protected from excess moisture which might rot it away, and it'll carry on as normal in spring," Ish adds.

When sorting your garden out this month, don't worry too much if your spring bulbs have plants; just give them that extra layer of protection and be ready to enjoy them next year.

"So if your tulips, your daffodils or even your alliums are coming out a little too early, don't worry; they'll be ready for next year," Ish finishes.