Nature’s Surprise Packages

If you are going to plant quite a few bulbs and in many different locations, consider a tool called a bulb planter, at right. Bulb planters pull out big plugs of soil so you can just drop a bulb in the bottom. They usually have lines on the side showing the depth of the hole, and they work best in moist soil.

If you plan to plant a lot of bulbs and want a tool that’s going to last, consider the massive forged planter from Maine by Snow & Nealley, “family-owned and operated since 1864” (at nurseries, $45). It allows you to stand up while you dig.