Planting The size of the bulb determines the depth and spacing. A one inch bulb can be planted two to three inches deep. One-inch bulbs should be spaced one inch apart. Close planting causes spring-flowering bulbs to crowd each other out. But planting too far apart makes an unattractive display.
Most master gardeners recommend digging individual holes for each bulb in a small area.
There are special bulb planting tools available. It may sound silly but bulbs need to be planted with the roots down and the tip up. It is also important to firm the ground around the bulbs to remove air pockets before watering. Once the ground freezes, two to four inches of mulch can be laid over the spring-flowering bed. This can be hay, straw, evergreen boughs and leaves.