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Article: Healthy bulbs, planted properly, will improve your garden in spring
- Article from:
- Chicago Sun-Times
- Article date:
- October 6, 2002
- Author:
CopyrightCopyright 2002 Chicago Sun-Times. (Hide copyright information)
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Hardy bulbs deserve more use in Midwest gardens.
They add versatility in color, fragrance and flower form. With
careful planning, these bulbs will flower from early spring through
autumn.
HEALTHY BULBS. Make sure bulbs are plump and firm, not dried and
shriveled. Bulbs with soft spots or excessive mold should not be
purchased. Lily bulbs should have short white fleshy roots already
attached. If bulbs cannot be planted right away, store them in a well-
ventilated area that is cool, but above freezing. Keep bulbs out of
reach of rodents and away from ethylene-producing materials, such as
ripening fruit. Artificial heat will dry bulbs, while high