How to Plant in Mulch Beds

Mulch is beneficial in gardens because it helps prevent moisture from evaporating from the soil, keeps plants cool, cuts down on soil erosion, and keeps weed growth to a minimum. As it decomposes, mulch adds nutrients to the soil, feeding plants. Typically mulch is spread in a garden once the plants are in the ground. It's sometimes necessary to plant in beds that have already been mulched, which is not usually a problem.

Rake
Shovel
Wheelbarrow
Mulch

Instructions

- 1
  Rake away the mulch to make room for the plants. Mulch can be straw, wood chips, bark, sawdust or leaves. If it is in good condition, shovel it into the wheelbarrow so it can be spread again when you are done planting. Dispose mulch that is rotten or broken down.
- 2
  Insert the shovel into the soil. Work it in and loosen the top foot of soil. It may be compacted because of the mulch layer. Adding air pockets will help the plant roots grow faster and stronger.
- 3
  Plant flowers, bushes, trees or seedlings. Dig holes larger than the root balls and place the plants in the holes. Space them according to the type of plant. Fill in around the plant with the removed soil and tamp down to remove air pockets.
- 4
  Water each plant thoroughly to help acclimate it to the new location.
- 5
  Reinstall mulch around each plant with the shovel. Use the removed mulch in the wheelbarrow and supplement with additional, new, mulch if needed. Spread it with the rake. Make the layer as thick as needed based on the specific plants you put in. A typical depth of 2 to 4 inches should be sufficient for most plants.

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