Shallots

Bought some shallot sets a while back with the intention of getting them in as soon as a delivery of compost was dug in.......unfortunately the compost only arrived last weekend and the ground is now sodden and no good for planting.
Just wanted some advice....if the ground dries out in the next week or so is it too late to plant them?.......Or would it be better leaving them till spring now?....another suggestion was 'sprouting' them in trays of potting compost over winter and then planting in spring?

As an extra question I planted my Shallots & Garlic about 10 days ago, will they show any green this year or will they just lay down roots for next spring.