Summer Bulbs:

These cannot survive the winter outdoors on the Prairies. This group includes Dahlias, Gladioli, Begonias, some lilies and numerous small bulbs. Those that are winter hardy still do better when planted in the spring. Start them indoors in pots in March or April. Make sure to plant outdoors only after the last frost. In the fall, dig them up, clean and allow to dry. Dust with Bulb Dust and store in a cardboard box or paper bag (not plastic) containing vermiculite, sawdust, peat moss etc. in a cold but frost-free place until the next spring. Treat the inexpensive smaller bulbs the same way. Their size usually makes them difficult to find and dig up, so it's easier to replace each year since the cost is minimal.