I would love to know also. I am in Monmouth County and I see lots of bulbs and such for sale but I am hesitant to buy them if it's too early to plant. Mab2 thanks for bringing this up!

If they are winter hardy, I suspect now is fine. Most bulbs, especially spring flowering bulbs, have built-in antifreeze which protects them from cold. If you are unsure, give them a heavy mulch to protect them.

If your ground is muddy, you have a drainage problem. Solve that first. In Essex County I would suspect a clay soil. Is that why there is mud? I would add top soil to the garden area before planting. Bulbs such as tulips and daffodils should be planted in the fall. Lillies may be planted in a sunny area now. If they are growing in the bag now, plant in pots temporarily until the drainage problem is solved. Later on transplant into your garden.