What Do I Add to the Dirt When Planting Bulbs?

Preparation

• Before planting flower bulbs it is important to make sure the soil is loose and well aerated. Use a garden trowel to break up the dirt. You can also use your fingers once the harder pieces have been chopped up a bit. Remove some of the dirt if you plan to add new soil.

Planting Soil

• Planting soil is available in home and garden stores, as well as most hardware stores. It is easier to grow bulbs in planting soil than in the dirt found in your garden bed. You can either replace the dirt in your garden bed entirely or mix planting soil in. If the soil has recently been used to grow other plants, you won't need to completely replace it.

Fertilizer

• According to the Illinois University Extension, the best fertilizer combination for bulbs includes phosphorous and organic compost matter. Add either superphosphate fertilizer or bonemeal deep into the soil, a few inches below where you'll be planting the bulbs. This will provide nutrients for the roots. Mix organic compost into the top 12 to 18 inches of your soil.