It is Labor Day Weekend, and I am still planting daylilies, or should I say: moving them. At this point, I am no longer trying to make major divisions, but I am still dividing the big ones (just not into as small a division as I would in the spring). I use plenty of compost around the roots to give them a head start. I will also cover them with straw for this first winter, to prevent heaving. I've done this in the past -- actually planted right up until the end of September -- and the plants did just fine. Hope this helps. MacThayer

Hmmm. Well, VanZyverdens (they supply retailers all over the country) here in Meridian had their final clearanace sale all through the month of November. I went the first day and promptly took home 2 or 3 hundred and planted them. THEN a friend of mind called me to accompany her to the final day of the sale (last week) to "help" her. Came home with MORE. Naturally, it has rained everyday since. No matter. I put the tulips in the refrigerator and the narcisus are out in the garage. We had a killing frost the day after Thanksgiving, so as soon as it dries out, I'll "roll up" the last of the lantanas, cupheas, and hyacinth beans. That will make room for the new additions. I'm going to be out putting up Christmas decorations anyway...:) By the way, get a load of this. At the sale, I bought 100 Spring Green tulips, and 15 dozen named jonquils for $26!!!! Of course, this is why my addiction is so out of control...

I'm just down the road in Newport News. No sand necessary around here for any of those bulbs, and you can continue planting right on through New Year's (the ground never freezes permanently in this zone, only for a day or two at a time, usually). I would recommend mixing in some sharp gravel when planting tulips and crocus; "permatill" or "soil perfector" are name brands available. This is not so much needed for drainage as to keep voles from eating your bulbs as soon as they're planted. Daffodils are immune to attack, being members of the amaryllis tribe, but the lily and iris families (to which tulips and crocus, respectively, belong) are prime targets. You should also be aware that, although the daffs and crocus are pretty much perennial, most tulips are good for a season or two at most around here. Our summer temps and erratic soil moisture aren't conducive to their becoming naturalized. Although some classes tend to last at least a little longer than others, it's probably best to consider tulips annuals, then to be pleasantly surprised if you do get a bloom or two the following year.

Since this is the Vegetable Gardening Forum I'll stick to talking about the tomato seeds. Check out the Bulbs and the many flower forums for more info on them. ;) The tomatoes can be started from seed 6-8 weeks before your plant out date - which usually 1-2 weeks after your last frost date. In your zone I am guessing that is the end of May? That would make it too late to start tomatoes from seed for the best results. But if you have some seeds for some early varieties you could try them and still get fruit from them before your first fall frost. Otherwise I think I'd plan to go with tomato transplants this year and save the seeds for next year. Good luck with your garden. Dave