Purchasing quality bulbs will help insure good bloom. Always look for species that are cold hardy to our area. Northeastern Illinois is in USDA hardiness zone 5 (the smaller the number, the colder the zone).

If buying from local sources, inspect bulbs carefully before buying. Consider the size and firmness of the bulbs. Undersize bulbs may produce small flowers. Choose larger, fuller bulbs (keep in mind that not all species have bulbs of the same size; small species have small bulbs).

Bulbs should also be firm. Any soft areas or spots may indicate the presence of disease. Some bulbs are colored and this is normal. Avoid those with spots that do not match the rest of the bulb's color.

If purchasing through a mail order source, select one with a good reputation since you are buying a product without seeing it first. Also, find out what the return or refund policy is, in case you are not satisfied with the bulbs you purchase.

It's best to plant bulbs as soon as they are purchased. If this is not possible, store them in a cool place (50 to 60 degrees F) until they can be planted.

Select a variety of spring bulbs. They don't all bloom at the same time and careful selection can insure continuous bloom throughout the spring. Even different varieties of the same species may differ in their bloom time (ex: there are numerous varieties of tulip; they do not all bloom at the same time).

The Lake County Extension Foundation, a group that supports University of Illinois Extension will be offering quality bulbs at their Fall Gardening Festival on Sept 29 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Check out their website http://www.lcextf.org/plantsale.html