Peonies need good drainage so work organic matter in your soil and loosen it to a depth of at least one foot if you want to prepare your soil for planting before your peonies arrive. A raised bed is great for growing peonies. The spacing depends on the variety but at least 3 feet of room from the center of each plant will allow for some air circulation between peony plants. One last tip is to not plant peonies too deep. The growth point or eye should be just barely below the surface of the soil. Peonies planted too deep will not flower. Keep growing, Marianne Binetti