How to Plant Spring Bulbs in the Garden

Start your planting when the frost lifts and ground thaws. Test your soil by picking up a handful and squeezing it; if it falls apart easily, it's ready for planting. If it sticks together, give it another week to thaw and dry for easy digging.

Find a site that satisfies your bulbs' requirements in regard to light exposure. Lilies and irises require full sunlight, while snowdrops and crocus can grow in partial shade, etc. Make sure that any site gets quick, efficient drainage and has enough room for your bulbs. Although many bulbs grow in somewhat crowded condition, they will rot in standing water.

Dig into the top 6 to 8 inches of soil in the planting bed several days before your planting to amend it. Break up dirt clods, remove weeds and throw out any rocks, then mix 2 inches of quick-draining soil and 2 inches of organic compost into the site. This gives the bulbs good nutrition and drainage while providing loose soil for root expansion.

Plant bulbs at their specified depth and spacing. All bulbs should be completely submerged once you're done, with no bulbs touching each other or touching other plantings. Bulbs that touch each other might rot in the soil.

Water each bulb with 5 to 6 inches of water so that the soil around the bulb is wet. Growth should start within a week.