Bulbs are a good investment even if they seem expensive at the time of purchase. They bloom year after year in the same season, until they wear out.
As potted plants they can�t be beat, and do well in window boxes, hanging baskets or simply in flower pots.
In late winter, the bulbs you plant this autumn will be in full bloom: narcissus, hyacinths, crocuses, tulips, snowdrops, anemone, muscaris, scillas, chionodoxas and fritilarias.

When you buy bulbs keep the following points in mind:

• They should look healthy, and not be split.
• Avoid bulbs that are not clean.
• They should not have roots, or have started sprouting.
• Don�t buy bulbs that are soft to the touch; they should be firm.
• Large bulbs give better results.
• Buy bulbs when they become available at the store rather than wait for a special offer.
• If they are sold loose, choose larger ones with firm sprouting-ends.
• Avoid bulbs covered with white or bluish powder on the surface; these are signs of fungal diseases.
• If in a box the bulbs vary greatly in size, choose another box in which the bulbs are of a similar size.
• If you cannot plant the bulbs right after buying them, keep them in a cool, dry place (in the refrigerator, not the freezer; they will last 5 or 6 weeks).

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BULBOUS PLANTS� NEEDS
Bulbs grow well in soil that is loose, light and well-drained, and contains organic material and humus.
Placement varies according to the species but in general they like light, although some prefer shade.
Watering should be regular if they are in a pot, so as to avoid the soil drying out.
Planting is done from the beginning of autumn until November.
Before planting the bulbs it is best to present them in the desired place, be it a window box, pot or in the garden itself. It is best to plant several grouped together.
The rule of thumb is to plant them at a depth equivalent to twice the bulbs� length (generally this is spelled out on the packaging).
After digging a hole with a bulb planter or a spade, place the bulbs with the growth end pointing up.
Cover with soil rich in nutrients, especially potassium � wood ashes are a good source � and then water. If you�ve done it all properly, in spring you�ll see the fruit of your autumn labor.