Anyone with tulips in their garden is being urged to act before Wednesday if they want to give their flowers the best chance of coming back. Garden experts say there is one simple job that many people overlook, but doing it now could make a big difference in the months ahead.

It is quick, easy and does not require any special tools, yet it can help improve how well tulips grow and bloom in future. The end of March is when tulips begin to show signs of life, with green shoots starting to push through the soil.

Acting during this short window means bulbs can take in nutrients just as they begin their main growing period.

Tulips are one of the most popular spring flowers, bringing bright colour to gardens after winter.

But while they look great when in bloom, many gardeners find they do not always return the following year.

Experts say the key job to do now is fertilising your tulips as soon as new growth appears.

Katie Sunderlage, a bulb expert, told Homes and Gardens: "Fertilizing tulips is an important part of tulip care needed to keep your bulbs healthy and prolific for multiple seasons.

"Fertilizing can be done in spring and again in fall, so it is a good idea to add a reminder on your spring gardening checklist to make sure you complete this crucial job."

Feeding tulips at this stage helps improve soil health and gives the bulbs a boost as they grow.

If it is left too late, gardeners may miss the point when the plant is actively taking in nutrients.

Experts say it is a good idea to check flower beds and pots regularly during March and early April.

Once shoots are visible, fertiliser can be applied straight away.

Slow-release fertilisers are often recommended, as they only need to be used once in spring.

Ms Sunderlage said: "Since slow-release fertilizers are recommended for all tulip types, it isn't necessary to fertilize more than once until fall if you opt to use slow-release granules."

Liquid feeds can also be used, with potassium-rich options such as tomato feed applied weekly during the growing season.

Gardeners should make sure to follow instructions carefully and dilute the feed properly.

Applying fertiliser is simple. Lightly loosen the top layer of soil, taking care not to damage any shoots, then add the feed and water it in.

This advice mainly applies to tulips planted in the ground. Tulips grown in pots often do not need feeding in spring if they were planted in good-quality compost in autumn.