Q: I saw some bulbs blooming in spring during the clearance. Can I still grow them?

I have some that I haven't planted before. Will they still grow and bloom in spring?

A: As long as you can dig into the ground, you can plant the bulbs that bloom in spring for a few more weeks-which means that the ground is not frozen or covered by snow. However, since the bulb does not have enough time for proper root development, the results may be slightly different later in the season.

Planting this late will require you to pay extra attention to fertilizing when the bulbs appear in the spring and when they bloom.

The favorite daffodil in spring takes time to grow the best flowers. Although they will bloom if they are planted now, they may not be so vigorous.

Before planting, be sure to dig down 6 to 8 inches to get the daffodils to the proper depth, which will help. Most bulb packages specify a planting depth of 6 inches, but a little deeper will be beneficial.

Using a light bulb auger or spade will be very effective. For the shovel, cut down into the soil at a depth of 6 to 8 inches, then rotate the shovel 180 degrees and cut another approximately 6 inches from the first cut. This will create a piece of "soil" that you can quickly remove to make perfect holes for your bulbs.

Covering bulbs planted later in the season will help root development by extending the soil freezing time in the planting area. A two-inch covering can solve the problem, but don't just cover the area above the bulb immediately. Cover the entire area where you plant the bulbs.

I often hear people frustrated that tulips fade after a few seasons. These bulbs are less tolerant to our current well-draining clay. In order to grow tulips more successfully, try elevated gardening for better drainage. Use topsoil, compost, and other amendments to further enhance drainage so that the bulbs are not affected by diseases that thrive in moist soil.

Another bulb problem we encounter is the influence of wild animals, who like to eat our favorite spring-blooming bulbs or dig them to find other food. Whether it is a deer, squirrel, chipmunk or a rodent in the garden, they can cause a lot of frustration.

Your first line of defense is to grow bulbs they don't like-hyacinths, alliums, and daffodils. Tulips seem to be the favorite of deer.

For detailed information about bulbs and planting assistance, and a list of bulbs by flowering date, please visit http://go.osu.edu/bulbcalendar.

Barrett is an agricultural and natural resource extension educator in Mahoning County, Ohio State University. Call 330-533-5538 to submit questions to the Plant and Pest Clinic. The seasonal outpatient service is from 10 am to noon on Monday. More details can be found at go.osu.edu/mahoningclinic.

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