1. Be Picky, specifically, about your bulbs and where you’re going to plant them. Choose bulbs that are free from obvious physical damage, mold or mildew.
2. Timing Isn't Everything.  But it’s pretty doggoned important. Plant your bulbs when the soil has cooled, but well before the ground freezes. Late September and October are normally just about right.
3. Get in Deep.  There are exceptions, but here’s a good rule of thumb: dig a hole about three times deeper than the bulb is tall. So, a 3-inch bulb needs a 9" hole. Sandy soil, go slightly deeper, clay soil, go slightly shallower. Choose a well-drained spot for planting that will get at least six hours of sun each day. Constantly wet, mushy ground is a good way to rot bulbs.
4. Don't Miss the Point. When you plant bulbs, ALWAYS do so with the point facing up.
5. Get Good Dirt on the Subject. Bulbs like well-aerated, well-drained soil rich in organic matter. If you have poor soil – too sandy or too much clay – add amendments to improve it. Be sure to add 1-1/2 heaping teaspoons of Espoma Bulb-tone® or Bio-tone Starter Plus® into the planting hole with the bulb, where the roots can find it. This rich, organic, slowfeeding plant food is especially formulated to meet the nutritional needs of bulbs. Feed again at the same rate when plants are about six inches high.
6. After Dinner Drink.  After covering the bulbs with rich organic soil, water well to help them become established before winter.
7. To Mulch is Enough.  Adding a 3-inch layer of mulch over the surface of the soil will help insulate and protect the bulbs against freeze and thaw conditions. If you’re worried about the shoots finding their way through it in the Spring, you can always pull back the mulch in April.

Other Bulbous Tips

• If you have destructive pests like voles and squirrels, you may need to plant bulbs in a cage. Bulb cages may be purchased at garden centers or fashioned by hand with a bit of wire mesh or chicken wire.
• Consider planting bulbs in groups or random order, keeping in mind that some will not sprout. This will create a more natural-looking appearance than a regimented, straight line.
• Consider planting low bulbs in front of high, or layering bulbs to create striking combination arrangements when they bloom.
• Bulbs don't usually need to be dug up at the end of the first year.  After the second year, watch for signs of overcrowding, like smaller blooms;  that’s a signal it’s time to dig bulbs up, dry them out for a few days, divide and replant them.
• For fun, try planting bulbs in containers.
• There you have it, a short primer on Fall bulb planting. Give it try. It's fun, easy and a great excuse to play in the dirt this Autumn. Best of all, after a long Winter you'll be rewarded with beautiful new growth springing up around you – a very pleasant reminder of why you undertook the effort in the first place.