No other types of plants will give the gardener more beauty, or a wider range of variety, color and flowering times than the flowering bulbs. They will produce flowers of incredible colors from one end of the growing season to the other. Nothing else will reward you with as much pleasure for so little effort.

      Color and time of bloom are two of the most important elements to consider when planning your bulb and garden planting. It can be very helpful to make a sketch of your garden before planting. (printable graph paper) Consider which bulbs to plant and where based upon height, sunlight, color and blooming time. Remember, some bulbs (most of the bulbs you plant in fall) are hardy and can remain undisturbed for years while others (most of the bulbs you plant in spring) are tender and must be dug up and stored before cold weather sets in.

      Good soil preparation is the first step to successful bulb gardening. Make sure the soil is loose and porous. Well-drained soil is a must or bulbs will rot. The soil should be turned over and organic matter or peat moss worked through so good root development can be formed.

      To encourage root development, work a bulb nutrient such as Bulb Booster into the soil. The depth of planting for bulbs depends on their size. A good rule of thumb is that the depth should be three times the diameter of the bulb. Small bulbs should be covered with 1 to 2" of soil while large bulbs should be planted 6 to 8" deep. In the South, plant large bulbs 2" shallower than the normal recommendations.

      The spacing of bulbs depends largely on the effect you are trying to achieve. The most effective [planting technique is to plant most bulbs in clumps rather than in individual lines. Space bulbs according to color with the softer colors in front and the more vibrant in the background. Group bulbs according to height and in sequential bloom pattern for a long lasting show of color.

      To store summer flowering bulbs, dig the bulbs when the foliage has withered or turned brown by light frost. Air dry in a well ventilated area for a week. Then remove all soil from the bulbs. Bulbs must be dried before storing or they will rot. Dust the bulbs with a fungicide and store in dry peat moss or wood shavings on a brown paper bag, open crate, netted bag or even old panty hose. Store at 50 to 55 degrees in a dry location until time to replant.

BULB DO'S AND DON'TS

• ALWAYS plant bulbs in borders or beds with good drainage. Planting bulbs in well drained soil is vital and the most important instruction we can give you.
• DO NOT use any strong commercial fertilizer or fresh manure when planting bulbs.
• ALWAYS cut as little foliage as possible when cutting flowers from your bulbous plants. The leaves and the foliage are essential for storing food for next year's blooming.
• ALWAYS let the foliage die back on its own in the garden before trimming it back or digging up the bulbs. Do not trim back healthy green foliage or the bulb will not perform well next year.
• NEVER dry bulbs in the sun, always in the shade in a well ventilated area.
• ALWAYS store bulbs in a dry, well ventilated area to prevent mold or mildew. Do not store them in an air-tight container.