How to Plant in Cedar Mulch

Cedar mulch often has a pungent cedar smell when you first lay it out and it can come in a variety of attractive colors. The cedar mulch's smell and coloring does not last forever and you may need to replace it every few months to keep it fresh, although it is not required. The mulch's main purpose is to keep the soil moist and can often reduce weeds from growing in your plant bed. Cedar mulch will not only provide your soil with moisture, but it will protect your soil from erosion.

Hand trowel or spade
Tarp or wheelbarrow

Instructions

- 1
  Lay out a tarp across the ground near the mulched area. A wheelbarrow may also be used. The tarp or wheelbarrow will collect removed soil to keep your cedar mulch clean.
- 2
  Place the plant on top of your cedar mulch.
- 3
  Remove the cedar mulch from the area the plant will be planted and at least 3 inches wider all around the plant.
- 4
  Dig a hole in the soil with a hand trowel or spade depending on the size off the plant. Put the soil on the tarp or in the wheelbarrow. Place the plant into the hole.
- 5
  Cover the plant with the soil from the tarp or wheelbarrow. Move any remaining soil to your compost pile or another area in the garden.
- 6
  Replace the cedar mulch around the plant but leave a 2- to 3-inch gap between the mulch and the trunk of the plant. If the mulch is too close to the plant, it may cause the plant's trunk or roots to rot.

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