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Home & Garden readers might also want to read Keep it Green, a gardening column by Michael Womack.

Saturday, October 20, 2001
Outside the box

Bulb sense

   It's the time of year again for planting bulbs. And while most of us don't particularly enjoy making all those little holes, the results will be impressive next spring. Check with the nursery staff for ideal planting dates and either wait or go ahead and buy, then store the bulbs in a cool, dry place until planting time.
   If you miss the ideal planting time for your growing zone, you can plant bulbs as long as the ground isn't frozen. The later you plant, the later the blooms will appear in spring, and the stems may be shorter than usual.
   When shopping for bulbs, inspect them carefully and select only those that are solid and heavy. Loose skins are okay, but steer clear of bulbs that have mold or show signs of rot. Remember - the larger the bulb, the larger the bloom.
   The easiest ways to plant bulbs are by digging individual holes or by preparing a bed in which several bulbs can be planted at once.
   Bulb terminology
   True bulbs: Contain layers of food-storing scales surrounding the central leaves and flowering stem and are often covered with a papery skin called the tunic. Daffodils, tulips, hyacinths and onions are true bulbs.
   Corms: Rounded, swollen stems. Like bulbs, they may also have a tunic. Unlike bulbs, corms are solid. Examples include crocuses and gladioli.
   Little bulbs: Term used to refer to the collection of bulbs that are too small to be considered true bulbs, even though they fit the definition. They include snowdrops, aconites, squills and grape hyacinths.
   Growing tips
   Once the bulb's foliage begins to fade, allow it to die back to the ground naturally so the plant can continue to photosynthesize and produce food for next year's growth. Don't try to braid the foliage or tie it with a rubber band. That can do more harm than good. Remember to deadhead tulips and daffodils by gently removing their faded flowers. In the case of daffodils especially, be prepared to dig and divide them every 10 years or so.
   HGtv Home Ideas

   Couch buying tips
   When shopping for a couch, ensure a high-quality purchase by selecting one with padded walls, straight seams, pleats that lie flat, cushion corners that are filled out and a lined skirt.
   Wine glasses make great centerpiece
   Create an inexpensive but beautiful centerpiece by filling several wine glasses with colored salts, then place a candle in the sand in each glass. Light the candles and accessorize with flowers or greenery from your own back yard or garden.
   Keep tiny tools safe
   Those small plastic pill containers with many compartments for different pills for different days of the week also make good containers for many of the really tiny tools you might use in crafting.
   Unclog burners
   To maintain your outdoor grill, use a brass wire brush to clean the inside and check the burner to make sure that the holes are clear. If a hole is clogged, use a toothpick or paper clip to clean it.
   Scripps Howard News Service

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