Do bulbs have a 'shelf life'?

[tee4two]

I have a bin bag full of boxes of bulbs, that DP got cheap a couple of years ago, I was reluctant to plant them as I knew we would be moving, eventually.
Well, now we have moved and have a lovely garden, have I left it too late to use them?
We havent lost anything if they dont grow, but there is a LOT of bulbs and it will take me forever to plant them, so if they dont take I will be slightly miffed.
Shall I bin them, or plant them?

[purplepeony]

If they are still firm and not mouldy they might be okay- but see my other post on bloody bulbs- I am no expert!

[tee4two]

They are not mouldy,just very dry, I thought about giving them a good soak first. I know if they dont take we havent lost anything, but I could be planting fresh ones that will grow.
I am basically lazy!

[isthatporridgeinyourzone]

PP is right - they should be firm to the touch - like an onion. If they've dried up completely then soaking won't revive them.

[tee4two]

i think maybe the majority are too dry then, , although the lilies seem nice and fresh. There are some anemone's [sp?] that arent like the usual bulbs, very hard, like a kernel, will these be ok?
And thanks for your replies

[isthatporridgeinyourzone]

I'd give the anemones a go - they're a corm so are quite dry anyway. Good luck!

[tee4two]

Thank you

[purplepeony]

If you plant any that are not anemone then don't soak- water is a death knell for bulbs- plant then water the soil around them.