Proper Preparation for Winters Bulb Bed ADVICE NEEDED!!

I have an assortment of bulbs, irises and perennials (Echinacea - coneflower's) to plant this October for a spring/summer show. (the Irises and Echinaceas are already in pots.)

I know to plan the bed, dig up ground at proper depth, fertilize, make sure there is good drainage.

#1 - Im not sure how to check of good drainage.

#2 - I was told to soak bulbs in SuperThirive before planting. but should that b done when planting in the fall??

#3 - Ive got some tall ALLUIMs ... do these need support??
They are always illustrated along a wall (so they could lean against a wall??)
I wanted to try them in the bed along our walkway. But can they Stand Up without support??

#4 - please recommend a good fertilizer for bulbs.

# 5 - after planting how do you KNOW the correct amount of water for the newly planted bulb bed??

#6 - Does the bulb bed get watered over winter??

#7 - Some will be in pots - do these get watered over winter??

Any and ALL Advice is greatly appreciated.!!

As for drainage, have you ever seen the spot have standing water (particularly in winter)? Is it ever swampy there when walking or mowing? A lot of time you can tell when you sink the shovel in- there will by slimy clay beneath if it doesn't drain well. Sometimes moisture loving vegetation (sedges, willows, cat tails) can alert you to poor drainage. If you're doing a raised bed, probably not an issue.

I've never soaked fall planted bulbs (except Anemones and Ranunculus), and I never water them in either, unless I've sown seed on top. We typically get regular rainfall in fall and winter. I prefer to give dormant bulbs moisture a little at a time, as too much moisture before their roots have started growing can instigate rotting. Bulbs in the ground shouldn't need water during the winter, unless you have a strangely dry winter.

Those in pots will need some water, I use a well drained potting mix for bulbs, and water them sparingly. During their cool period, the pots hold moisture well. They need more once active growth starts.

Tall Alliums have strong stems, I've never had to stake them.

There are various good bulb fertilizers offered by most vendors, different folks have different preferences, but any labeled "bulb food" will be fine. I use bone meal typically, but it can draw digging dogs in search of the bone. That was more of a problem for me when I put a little under each bulb- the dog zoned in right for the bulb! Later I started broadcasting it, and she would just sniff around without digging.