What should I do with my bulbs?

[dexterdoglancashire]

Hi everyone.
I've planted a lot of bulbs in pots this year, some of which have flowered and are now looking rather, for want of a better word, knackered - some which have still to flower.
What should I do with the bulbs which are past their best? I know to feed them with fish, bone etc meal to feed them, but should I keep them in their pots till they die back properly or dig 'em up once they have finished flowering?
Also, if I do have to dig them up, whats the best way to store them till next year?
Ta everyone!
Bernie aka DDL

[craft collector]

Best to leave them in the pots if you don't need the pots for something else. If you need the pots then take them out and dig them in an odd corner ( my garden has some very odd corners) and leave to die back. Once they are dry I just clean them up and keep them in a cool dry place until time to plant again good luck!!!! Ginny

[SimonCole]

Be careful not to over-water because I've just lost some hyacinths to rot from doing that.

[Herbie]

I would agree with the above leave them in their pots, deadhead but don't cut back for aleast six weeks, that way the bulb can store nutrients for next years flowers.
I make the mistake of cutting bulbs back in the past, the next year they failed to flower.

[dexterdoglancashire]

I must admit have heard of this in the past re: daffodills. Didn't realise it appllied to all bulbs. Thanks. Bernie

[rustylady]

Hi DDL. Do you want to keep them in pots, or do you have a bit of spare ground you could plant them out in? Ideally bulbs do best in open ground after the first year. If you want to grow and display in pots then it's best to buy new bulbs each year unless it's a really big pot where they can stay for a few years.

[dexterdoglancashire]

Hi RL - I didn't know that. It would make sense for me to put them into my rockery section of the garden for next year then use my pots for something else. Thanks! Bernie aka DDL