Want to wake up to a flower-filled garden? Then get digging now and plant your bulbs! Most require little, if any, maintenance once they're planted. And hardy bulbs can safely be left in the ground year after year and most are perennials and will re-grow. So go to a garden center to get some bulbs.

            For the best results, plant your bulbs according to the package's planting times. In general, early-spring bulbs like daffodils and snowdrops, for instance, should be in by late summer or early fall. Late-blooming tulips can be planted through November or until the ground freezes.

When scouting your yard for the best place to grow bulbs, look for spots where the soil isn't constantly damp (excessive moisture can cause them to rot). Avoid areas near your hose or sprinkler system. And plan for height. Small snowdrops, for instance, are ideal for front borders, while giant tulips and allium should be placed toward the back of your garden.

To plant, dig out the soil to the recommended depth and loosen the surrounding dirt to improve drainage and help root development. If the soil is very dry, water so it's workable. Mix sandy soil with peat moss or leaf compost to fertilize. For claylike soil, add sand or peat moss. Avoid using strong commercial fertilizer or fresh manure.

Place the bulbs firmly into position with the pointed side facing up and follow the package instructions for spacing. (Leaving larger spacing than recommended between your bulbs won't harm them, but it doesn't offer the best effect.) Cover the bulbs with soil and water. In cold areas, layer two or three inches of mulch on top. Just be sure to remove the mulch in early spring when the first foliage shoots emerge. "If you don't clear away the mulch, it generally slows down blooming," warns Obal.

If you're preparing a flower bed, dig out the entire area with a shovel. This will ensure that all your bulbs bloom simultaneously. To plant individual bulbs — those with large flowers that make their own showcase or in spots with tree roots that you don't want to disturb — dig one hole at a time with a trowel or bulb planter.

How far to dig? Each bulb species has its own planting depth. Follow the directions on the bulb packaging or use this rule of "green" thumb: Bury each bulb about three times as deep as its diameter. If you're planting bulbs in extremely cold areas, go slightly deeper, "but make sure the subsurface area is well-drained," adds Obal. Measure the depth from the soil's surface to the shoulder of the bulb. If you have any questions concerning your blubs ask a local plant nursery.