Lilies are often planted in spring, but you can also plant them now. The bulbs are less likely to dry out, which can result in failures. Most lilies prefer a slightly acid soil (pH 6-6.5), but some-including Lilium candidum-will do well in alkaline soils.
Lilies demand a well-prepared site, so dig the soil deeply and work in as much well-rotted manure or garden compost as you can spare. Add plenty of grit to improve drainage if the soil tends to be wet.
Lilies look best in groups rather than as isolated specimens, so excavate an area of soil to a depth of about 8 inches-large enough to take at least four or five bulbs.
Add a sprinkling of bone meal or a controlled-release fertilizer, as lilies are usually left undisturbed until overcrowded and therefore, feeding is more important than with bedding bulbs used for a single season.
Space the bulbs about 6 inches apart and make sure that they are deep enough to be covered with about twice their own depth of soil. Sprinkle more grit or coarse sand around the bulbs to deter slugs and reduce the risk of waterlogging.
Place small canes or sticks around the planting area before you return the soil. These will remind you to avoid damaging the emerging shoots when you weed.