A nice, stiff drink can keep narcissus stems upright

Q. How can I grow narcissus bulbs indoors?

A. Paperwhite narcissus are good choice for forcing indoors since they don't require the chilling period like most other bulbs.

Place the narcissus bulbs, pointed side up, in a shallow pot filled two thirds full with marbles, polished stones or pebbles. Make sure the bottom of the bulb is deep enough so it comes in contact with the water. Pour water over the stones or other media just enough to moisten them, as well as the bottom of the bulb. You do not want to submerge the bulb in water; otherwise, it will rot.

Put the pot in a cool dark room for about a week to encourage roots to develop. When green shoots appear, move the bulb into a filtered sunny location. Keep the temperatures cool during forcing. In about three more weeks, fragrant clusters of flowers will appear.

Paperwhites last longer when temperatures are no warmer than 65 F. If it's too warm, they'll grow quickly and become floppy. To keep them standing tall, you can either support them with sticks and twine, or give them a little drink of alcohol. Research conducted by William B. Miller, professor of horticulture and director of Cornell's Flower Bulb Research Program shows that when the shoots are about 2 inches tall, replacing their water supply with a solution of alcohol and water results in stems that are one-third to one-half shorter than normal. The size of the blooms and their blooming period are not affected.

To apply this solution, siphon out the water currently in the pot using a tool such as a turkey baster. You need a solution that is about 5 percent alcohol. Proportion is very important. If you add too little, there is no effect; if you add too much, you will kill the bulbs. To achieve this proportion, use isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol) with water mixed at one part alcohol to 10 parts water. Or, use the real stuff, such as gin, vodka, or whiskey (typically 40 percent distilled spirit). Mix together one part liquor and seven parts water to make a 5 percent solution.

Typically, bulbs that are forced indoors should not be planted again. However, you may get lucky, and have blooms next season.

Q. Will ice melt products harm my grass and other landscape plants next to the sidewalk?

A. Most commonly available ice melters contain salts that make water remain liquid below 32 F. Unfortunately these salts accumulate in plants and soil and draw moisture from plant roots. Over time the salts build up and run off to pollute lakes and streams harming aquatic life.

Ice melters are available in crystal and liquid forms with crystals being the most commonly available. If you choose a liquid form, make sure it does not contain ethylene glycol (an ingredient in antifreeze) that tastes sweet and is poisonous to pets.

The cheapest crystal forms, sodium chloride (NaCl) and calcium chloride (CaCl2) are also the most harmful to plants. Potassium chloride (KCl), a component of fertilizers, is safe for plants and pets when used sparingly. With any type of ice melter use only the amount needed to do the job.

Do not use ice melters in place of shoveling snow. The best time to apply melters is before an ice/snowstorm to prevent ice from bonding to the surface of walks and steps.

Instead of chemicals you might consider applying sand or ash to increase traction on icy surfaces.

• Provided by Mary Boldan and Donna Siemro, University of Illinois Extension Master Gardeners. Send questions to Ask a Master Gardener, c/o Friendship Park Conservatory, 395 W. Algonquin Road, Des Plaines, IL 60016, (847) 298-3502 or via e-mail to cookcountymg@sbcglobal.net.