Bulbs planted temporarily in borders or beds should be left in place until the foliage has begun to yellow - about a month after flowering. You will need to resist the temptation to 'tidy' the leaves by tying them together; the bulbs need to use the leaves to help provide and store energy for the next seasons flowering.

Method

1. Gently lift the bulbs with a fork from their planting space, or take them out of the pot they have grown in.
2. Keep them in separate labelled containers to avoid confusing different plants.
3. Use your fingers to clean the soil off each bulb and rub of any loose tunic tissue.
4. Cut off the dying leaves with a sharp garden knife or pull them off very carefully.
5. Discard any bulbs that are damaged or that show signs of disease.
6. Space the bulbs out on a wire tray to dry overnight, making sure that they do not touch.
7. The following day, dust them with the fungicide powder and place them in clean, clearly labelled paper bags or large envelopes - never use plastic.
8. Store the bags in a frost-free dry place until the next planting season.