Try to select a site that provides at least six to 10 hours of direct light per day. Meeting this requirement is much easier than it sounds because many spring-flowering bulbs bloom and produce foliage well before deciduous trees leaf out. As a result, bulbs can usually get plenty of sun under a canopy trees which will be densely shaded later in the season. Light requirements for other bulbs, especially the summer bulbs, are more variable. Insufficient light usually results in poor flowering, but too much light will bleach the flowers and foliage of some species.
Bulbs usually prefer moist, well-drained soil.
However, they aren't terribly particular when it comes to soil as long as it will drain. When planting bulbs in rich organic soil a small trowel will probably work just fine. After planting, water the beds thoroughly to help settle the soil, and mulch around bulbs to help protect them from cold winters and hot summers. A well-prepared bulb bed should require little cultivation except periodic weeding. So, be sure not to dig to deeply or you might damage your bulbs.