Gladiolus plants can be transplanted in the summer or fall. If you are planting them in the spring, dig a hole large enough to accommodate the roots and space them about six inches apart. They should be planted two to three inches deep and spaced eight to ten inches apart. The bottom layer should be compost or soil mixed with peat moss. Add three cups of soil to every two tablespoons of peat moss. Water the plants regularly and keep the area around the plants shaded. Don't water too often — don't water every day. When the first leaves appear, you'll know the plants are healthy.