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          Bulbs, Corms, Rhizomes and  Tubers all store their food
          in their underground storage  organs. Bulbs prefer cold
          winters and dry conditions  during their dormant period
          and  appear  above  ground   when  the  conditions  are
          suitable for their growth.

          They produce the most colourful and fragrant blooms and
          add freshness  and flamboyance to  the garden. Most  of
          them will  continue to flower each  year requiring very
          little attention, hence their popularity.

          Nearly all bulbous plants  like almost perfect drainage
          although  they will  accept  a  variety of  soil types,
          generally with the acidity factor close to neutral.

          Soil preparation  for planting should  be thorough with
          the bed dug to half a metre at least twice.

          Clay  soils should  have  course  sand and  well rotted
          organic matter mixed in to improve the drainage.

          Sandy  soils  require   copious  quantities  of  animal
          manures and organic compost  to improve the texture and
          to assist in lowering the summer soil temperatures.

          If the  soil tends to  be rather acidic,  then you will
          need to add a light  dressing of Dolomite and work well
          in.

          Also add  a handful of  complete fertiliser per  square
          metre and work this into the top layer.

          If  your  soil  has  rather  poor  drainage this can be
          rectified by  building up the bed  to around 25cm above
          the ground level.

          After watering the soil  using a  fine spray, leave the
          bed to  settle for two  or three weeks  before planting
          out.

          At planting time make a hole with a hoe to the planting
          depth recommended, plus 2cm, and sprinkle some complete
          fertiliser at the base of the hole. Cover this with 2cm
          of fine soil and firm down, and around the bulb.

          Water thoroughly with a fine mist spray and place a few
          cm's of well rotted compost  or organic material on the
          surface as a mulch.

          When bulbs  die down after  their flowering period  the
          stems should be left intact  so that the bulbs can draw
          on these stems for the next seasons nutrients.
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