- 1). Choose a planting area that has good drainage and at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. Remove all weeds by pulling up at the roots.
- 2). Turn over the bed of the planting area by using a shovel to dig down up to 18 inches, lifting and turning over the shovelfuls of soil to move the deeper soil to the surface. Continue until the planting area has been completely turned over.
- 3). Add a layer of compost, peat moss or other organic material such as dead leaves or mulched tree bark to amend the soil and ensure better soil nutrition and proper drainage. Use a hand cultivator or power tiller, available at equipment rental stores, to thoroughly work the material into the soil and soften the garden bed.
- 4). Use a rake to level the soil of the growing area and lay down weed barrier material, available at garden centers, over the growing area.
- 5). Plant the bulbs in early to late fall according to the varieties being planted. Lay out the tiny bulbs on the surface of the weed barrier material and space them two inches apart. Locate the tiny bulbs at the front of the garden so they are not in the shade of larger plants and to create a cascade, or stair-step, look with taller plants in the back.
- 6). Cut holes in the weed barrier material and use fingers to push the tiny bulbs into the loose soil to a depth of two-and-a-half times the bulb's diameter. The pointed end of the bulb should face up, and the roots should be placed down into the soil. Tamp the soil lightly down over the tiny bulb.
- 7). Water the growing area thoroughly with a garden hose. The bulbs should not require further watering until they come up.
- 8). Spread two to three inches of shredded leaves, mulch bark or straw over the growing area.
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