> I have a lot of young Glads, Moraea, Babiana etc. that will need to be potted up this > next summer in their next dormant period. I know everyone has their favorite > potting mix, though my question is one of layers. > > I was wondering if anyone can tell me if there is any advantage to using the potting > mix only in the lower part of the container. Then placing the bulbs on the top of the > potting mix and use some small gravel ( or like material ) to cover the bulbs to their > appropriate depth. This technique certainly works for me, here in England, for juno irises, with the thongy roots in compost, but the bulbs, and several inches above course gravel. I can leave a large long-tom pot (height 1.5-2 x diameter) outside in all weathers, all year round, with minimal losses. Something I cannot do if the compost fills the pot, where I would have to use much more effort even under glass, getting the moisture content thoughout the year right to prevent rotting, or desiccation. It can also help to inspect some other types of bulbs during dormancy as you can pour the gravel off and there they are. But with smaller pots you have to remember if the bulbs are planted ~half the depth of the pot, then removing the top half of the compost, leaves less than half (in a tapered pot) the nutrients, and possibly ion exchange material remaining, so you will have to liquid feed much more often. Over potting in a larger than normal pot or standing on an absorbent sand base reservoir may help alleviate this a little though. Brian Whyer, Buckinghamshire, England, +3C max, -3C min today