Plant lilies in the greenhouse now

Now is a great time to begin planting lilies, according to the Royal Horticultural Society.

Bulbs can be planted all the way through to spring and most lilies are perfectly capable of growing well in pots.

Single large bulbs should be planted in deep pots of around eight or nice inches in diameter, while smaller bulbs can be planted in batches of three or four in slightly larger pots.

"Keep pots in a cool but frost-free, airy place with strong light, such as a well-ventilated cold greenhouse or frame," the RHS suggests on its website.

"Ensure the compost is moist at all times, but not wet. To force plants move to 18-21ºC when shoots appear.

"When in growth water freely. Lilies are gross feeders, so use a high potassium tomato feed every fortnight during summer. Re-pot in autumn."

Bulbs should be re-planted in the garden or in larger containers in the greenhouse as the stems begin to wither.