Growing Bulbs: The Complete Practical Guide - Hardcover

Here is a complete reference manual for gardeners. Covering all practicalities of bulb growing, it deals with everything from basics, such as forcing bulbs for indoor growing, to the needs of the knowledgeable gardener. At the core of the book is a major reference listing of some 100 genera, with recommendations and basic cultural information arranged for each. The book is arranged on practical lines: after a section on understanding a bulb - what exactly is the definition of a bulb, after all? - Brian Mathew explains the principles of bulb growing. He describes winter and summer growers; bulbs for temperate regions; and tropical and subtropical bulbs. He considers buying and planting times; planting depths and distances; soils, potting mixes, fertilizers and lime. There are sections on the garden - the shady garden; bulbs in grass; borders and sunny wall beds; raised beds, the rock garden and bulb frames; pots and containers under glass; pots for early displays, and chapters on pests and diseases, and propagation.