Years ago, when I began planting bulbs in the autumn, I thought I had done the job once and for all. Then I noticed my neighbor replanting his tulip bulbs every fall.

        Tulip bulbs will not last as long as daffodils; they lose their vitality with age. If you want large, perfect blooms with healthy foliage, it's best to replant at least every two years. I splurge and buy replacements every year.

        When the soil cools down — about mid-October to mid-November — choose a site for tulip bulbs that has perfect drainage. Never plant tulips in a water-logged area. Most cultivars perform best in full sun, although some will bloom in light, filtered shade. Blooms will last longer if the plants are sheltered from severe winds.

        Here are tips for successful tulip planting:

        • The bed may be circular or free-form. Dig to a depth of 10-12 inches, then thrust your digging fork into the bottom of the bed and aerate the bed a little more. Return a few inches of soil to the bottom of the bed so bulbs will rest on loose, free-draining soil. Level out the bottom surface.

        • Firm the bulbs into place. Keep the pointed growing tip on top and press the rounded bottom into the loose soil. Use a slight twisting motion to ensure that each bulb is in good contact with the soil.

        Set tulip bulbs 6-8 inches deep. That means to make sure they rest 6-8 inches below ground level. Bulbs that are too close to the surface might be damaged by soil heaving or eaten by rodents, who consider them a delicacy. Remember: Squirrels love to eat tulip bulbs and the deer will feast on newly sprouted tulips in the spring.

        Space tulip bulbs about 8 inches apart. The planting will appear to be more spectacular if you group single colors rather than stringing them out in a single line.

        • When you fill the planting area, use a sandy loam — if you have it — and some finished compost mixed in with the soil you have removed to make the hole. Growers have found that tulips require a steady supply of nitrogen, so if you don't have compost readily available, mix some 5-10-5 with the soil you put back into the hole.

        Gardeners traditionally used bone meal, a good source of phosphorus. This or other amendments may be added with the compost.

        Do not use fresh manure; it may burn the bulbs.

        • Water the bed thoroughly when finished planting. Use a sprinkler or soaker hose for slow penetration to a depth of 10-12 inches. If you manage to plant your bulbs right before a good, soaking fall rain, skip watering.

        • Mulch the beds with leaf mold, compost, shredded bark or any other attractive organic matter. One or two inches of mulch should suffice.

        Contact Tim Morehouse by Web site: www.getmoregarden.com; mail: c/o Cincinnati Enquirer. (If writing, enclose a self-addressed, stamped envelope.

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