Plant the tulip bulbs as soon as possible.  Tulips and other spring-flowering bulbs can be planted as late as December if the soil isn’t frozen.  After planting, cover the area with several inches of straw, pine needles, or leaves.  Mulching will give the bulbs additional time to root before the ground freezes. 
       
Another option would be to pot up the tulip bulbs and force them indoors.  After planting, the potted bulbs need to be exposed to temperatures of 40 to 45 degrees Fahrenheit for 12 to 16 weeks.  Possible locations with suitable temperatures include a refrigerator, cellar, or unheated basement.  Remove the potted tulip bulbs from their storage area after the cold requirement has been met.  Place the potted bulbs in a brightly lit, 60 to 65 degree Fahrenheit location and enjoy the tulips indoors. 

Tulips and other spring-flowering bulbs can be stored for several weeks.  However, long term storage of spring-flowering bulbs is difficult.  Unplanted tulip bulbs are likely to be dead by early spring. 

Learn more about tulips in this article: All About Tulips

Paperwhite narcissus bulbs should be discarded after flowering.  Paperwhites cannot be successfully forced again and are not winter hardy outdoors. 

Learn more about growing paperwhites in this article: Forcing Paperwhite Narcissus Bulbs.

Paperwhite narcissus are easy to force indoors.   The bulbs can be forced in clear, shallow bowls (no drainage holes) or pots. 

Potting

When forcing paperwhite narcissus in bowls, partially fill the container with washed gravel or stones.  Place the bulbs on the gravel or stones.  Then place additional gravel or stones around the bulbs, leaving the tips (noses) of the bulbs exposed.  Add water to the bowl until it touches the bottom of the bulbs.  Maintain the water at this level throughout the forcing period. 

When forcing paperwhites in pots, partially fill the container with potting soil.  Place the bulbs on the soil surface.  Then add additional potting soil.  When potted, the tips of the bulbs should stick above the potting soil.  The level of the soil mix should be ½ to 1 inch below the rim of the container.  After potting, water each container thoroughly.  Keep the potting soil moist throughout the forcing period. 

Care

Place the planted bulbs in a cool (45 to 50 degree Fahrenheit), dark location for 2 to 3 weeks to encourage root growth.  When the shoots reach a height of 3 inches, move the plants to a sunny window with a temperature of 60 to 70 degree Fahrenheit.  To prolong their bloom period, move the paperwhite narcissus from direct sunlight when the plants begin to flower.  Paperwhite narcissus bulbs should be discarded after flowering.  Paperwhites can’t be forced again and are not hardy outdoors. 

Tulips, daffodils, and other spring-flowering bulbs normally begin emerging from the ground in March or early April in Iowa.  However, mild winter weather can encourage premature growth.  The early emergence of spring-flowering bulb foliage is most often seen on the south and west sides of homes and other buildings.  These areas are usually warmer than the rest of the yard because sunlight is reflected off the building to the ground.  In addition, heated basements keep the soil near buildings relatively warm. 

While the premature emergence of spring-flowering bulb foliage is undesirable, the danger is not as great as it may seem.  The foliage of tulips, daffodils, and other spring bulbs can tolerate cold temperatures.  Oftentimes, normal winter weather (cold temperatures and snow) returns, delaying further growth.  A blanket of snow is especially helpful.  The snow discourages additional growth and also protects the foliage from extreme cold. 

If foliage has emerged more than a few inches or flower buds are present and temperatures below the mid 20s°F are predicted, plants can be mulched. Apply a layer of organic mulch, such as straw or pine needles, around the base of the emerging tulips to help insulate the soil and regulate temperature fluctuations. Remove the mulch once normal temperatures return.  

Learn more about tulips in this article: All About Tulips.