Forcing bulbs is a great project for any member of the family. It's easy, rewarding and fun to force a few bulbs for early indoor color. 'Forcing' means you encourage the bulbs to grow and bloom early by planting them indoors and exposing the bulbs to warm temperatures. This process brings the bulbs into bloom weeks before they would normally bloom outdoors.

Simply take a waterproof bowl, fill it with gravel or decorative stone. Firm the base of the bulbs into the pebbles, until they stand firmly on their own. Next fill water up to the base of the bulbs, but not high enough that it touches them. A plain glass bowl is best to use because you can see the water level, and you can watch the roots as they develop. (You want the roots to grow into the water, but you don't want the bulb to sit in the water.) Place the bulbs in a cool, dark spot for about four to six weeks. Then, bring them out into the warmer temperatures  of your home to force them into bloom. This works well with Hyacinths, Crocus, Daffodils or early Tulips!