- 1). Loosen and turn the soil in the garden bed to a depth of 6 inches with a hand tiller.
- 2). Spread a 2- to 3-inch layer of aged compost over the loosened bed.
- 3). Mix the aged compost evenly into the top 6 inches of the soil with your hand tiller.
- 4). Rake the soil smooth.
- 5). Plant each peony bulb 1/2 to 2 inches below the soil with its eye facing up and its root tips pointing downward. Take care when handling the peony roots. Their roots are fragile, and breaking them will retard their growth. Dig the holes slightly wider than the bulbs and lay them gently in the bottom before covering them and firming the soil.
- 6). Water the soil with a gentle spray of water to moisten it to a depth of 6 to 8 inches. Continue to keep the soil moist to this depth with regular deep watering until the ground freezes in winter.
- 7). Cover the planting area with 5 to 8 inches of straw mulch when the ground freezes in winter. Remove the mulch in spring when the ground thaws, before the peonies begin to sprout.
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