- Bulbs require food to produce their glorious spring display. Prepare the fall bed by tilling organic compost into soil to a depth of about 18 inches. Bonemeal or a superphosphate fertilizer may also be added to the deepest part of the bed to encourage better blooms.
- Typically, spring-blooming bulbs are planted at a depth of two to three times the height of the bulb as measured from the bulb base. The top of a bulb is the pointy end, and the base has roots coming from it. If the bed is loose and well prepared, press the bulbs down into the soil and cover completely. A trowel may also be used to make the correct sized hole for the bulb. Water until the soil is moist, but do not soak the soil as cool weather and too much moisture may create bulb rot. Cover the top soil with 2 to 3 inches of mulch.
- If squirrels or other animals tend to savor your bulbs as a fall delicacy, protect them by planting each bulb in a cage and then in the soil at the correct depth. These cages can be purchased at gardener supply stores and protect the bulbs without harming any curious critters.