Planting bulbs is an excellent way to ensure a flowering garden. In this new addition to the hugely successful Collins Practical Gardener series, all the details of bulbs' specific needs are provided. Sections on Selection of bulbs, planting and troubleshooting give you the know-how you need. Every step of bulb gardening is covered, from buying to protecting bulbs through the winter and advice for planting combinations. Suggestions for growing bulbs in pots and indoor displays offer an alternative to outdoor bulb gardening. With full information for over 100 genera of true bulbs, corms, tubers, rhizomes and tuberous roots, this book is everything you'll need to raise healthy plants. The diagnostic troubleshooting chart is an invaluable feature enabling you to identify plant problems from the symptoms, and the pests and diseases section details how to prevent and combat these difficulties. Packed with information, advice and practical tips this informative guide to bulbs is the most attractive and down-to-earth reference of its kind. Contents include: / Introduction to bulbs / Types of bulbs - bulbs, corms, tubers, rhizomes, tuberous roots / Buying and handling bulbs / Planting / Naturalising / Growing in pots / Feeding and watering / Staking / Care after flowering / Indoor displays / Forcing bulbs / Winter protection and storage / Propagation / Planting combinations / A-Z directory / Troubleshooting chart / Pests and diseases / Common name plant index and subject index