To do this, your pre-raised seedlings must be pricked out into 3in pots, roughly the shape and size of a bulb planter.

I wasn't made with a hinge in my back, and my left hip is beginning to protest loudly at the pressure exerted by plunging the bulb planter.

Use a narrow bulb planter, and watch where you punch it.

And if you don't have a good trowel or bulb planter, put one on your shopping list.

To plant: loosen the ground first with a fork, then work from the back of the border to the front with your bulb planter or trowel.

There are bulb planters for sale that make the task easier.

This is an important topic and often a source of confusion for bulb planters.

(800)955-3370 www.gardeners.com FAITHFUL STAND-BY - This long-handled bulb planter is a real back saver, and a time saver as well.

Even tardy bulb planters can take a hint from this knowledge.