The most satisfactory method of storing the tulips is to dig a shallow 
trench in the garden about 6 - 8 inches deep, preferably near a water 
faucet. Place the containers on a level surface and thoroughly water 
the bulbs before covering them with six to eight inches of soil. Level 
the soil on top so that rain water will soak in. If a lengthened period 
without rain follows, it will be advisable to use a sprinkler to soak the 
trenched-in containers. This will assure good root growth. A covering 
of straw or leaves will keep out frost, so that the bulbs can be safe 
in severe weather. By January 1, the earliest variety can be brought 
into a temperature ranging from 60°F. - 65°F. For the first week they 
should be slightly shaded and the containers may be placed below the 
bench for that time, after which they should be set out in as light a 
location as possible and given water in the morning. It will be safe to 
raise the temperature slightly at this time. Flowers will then appear in 
from 26 - 36 days according to the variety and the temperature should 
be reduced somewhat when the flowers begin to show color. All tulip 
bulbs should be removed from the trenches by February 15, and stored 
in a cold frame until time for forcing, otherwise weak-stemmed flowers 
will result. The same procedure applies in the home for forcing in pots 
but since light and an even temperature are not so certain, it is better 
to delay bringing in the bulbs until late January. When planting tulips 
in pots it is well to remember that the flat side of the bulb, on which 
side the broad lower leaf always grows, should be towards the rim of 
the pot. This will tend towards making a better looking pot of tulips. 
Be Daffodils 
Forcing daffodils while in many ways similar in procedure to tulips has 
one or two notable differences that ought to be recognized. The soil 
should be slightly acid, enriched with compost or dehydrated manure, 
adding to every bushel a 3-inch potful of superphosphate 20%. Early 
varieties such as The First, Helios and Golden Harvest, can be forced 
to flowering stage earlier than tulips. They should be in flats or pots in 
late September or early October and require about eight weeks 
entrenched outdoors in order to make a good root system. They respond 
to ample supplies of water from the beginning. When they are brought 
to the greenhouse a 50°F. temperature is high enough to start. As 
the flower buds*advance they will tolerate a temperature as high as 
65°F., but they resent bottom heat. It is wise to delay bringing in the 
early varieties until January 15, and flowers may be expected from 
4 to 5 weeks later. 
