Bulbs cannot stand the burning effect of fresh animal manure and it is for this reason that any manure must be well-rotted and should be dug adequately into the ground a few weeks before planting time.

Bulbs require to be planted at different depths. Some need their necks to be above soil level, others need to be immersed deep in the soil.

Most bulbs are better grown in a well-drained, open and sunny position, although most of them will grow quite well in dappled shade.

Bulbs must be left in the ground long enough after flowering to allow them to conduct their preparation for the following year. Although at this time of the year they may look untidy, it is important not to cut off the foliage as the bulbs use this time to build up for the next season and develop small bulbs around the base of the bulb. Theleaves may be folded over and a rubber band slipped over them, but they must not be cut off.

Bulbs should be lifted (dug up) about every three to five years to enable the clumps to be broken up, dried and replanted. If bulbs are in a wet garden,it is advisable to dig them up after each season to prevent them rotting.

Bulbs appreciate a good mulch to keep them cool. After the leaves appear above the ground level a feed of complete fertiliser should be applied, making sure you use a fertiliser that has a nitrogen content which is low.

Bulbs should be sprayed with fungicides two or three times during the growing season to make sure to control fungal diseases which may appear.

GROWING BULBS INSIDE THE HOME

Did you know that some types of flowering bulbs can be grown inside the home or office providing they are given the right growing conditions?
Just think of the joys of watching the plants develop colourful blooms for indoor or outdoor displays.
In South Australia, April is the best time for planting out bulbs either in the garden or in containers.

SETTING UP THE INDOOR CONTAINER
To insure proper root growth the containers must be at least 8 - 9cm in depth to allow for good root growth. Ready made bulb mixtures can be bought from your local Garden Centre or Nursery. Be sure to moisten the mix if it is feels on the dry side and add some Bulb Fertilizer before placing into the container.
The larger types of bulbs like Daffodils and Hyacinths need to be spaced about 7cm apart with the top of their growing point level with the top of the bulb mix. Once the bulbs have been planted into the containers place them in a cool shady position. Another way of starting your container of bulbs, is to place them into a cupboard for approximately three weeks to allow for proper root growth. Never let the bulb mix dry out, water sparingly as needed, but do not over water. When the shoots slowly appear remove the container to a lighter position.
Slowly change the position of the container to gradually increase the light.
Once the bulbs are up they can be placed on a window ledge insde the house.
In low light position inside the building only leave the planters inside for a few days and the put them outside in a sheltered position for a week to recuperate. Have two or three containers ready available at the one time so that you will have a constant supply of living indoor flowers during the bulb season.