Tip of the week

To avoid squirrels' digging up spring bulbs — they may eat the tulips and crocuses — plant the bulbs more deeply than recommended (seven inches is a good depth) and pack the backfilled soil with the back of a hoe. Hide signs of soil disturbance with a thin layer of mulch. In containers, cover the bulbs and their soil with a generous rodent-thwarting layer of gravel.