Prepare Mulch Beds for Spring Planting

Wednesday, February 22, 2012 Goto comments Leave a comment Blog

Follow the 10 steps below for a beautiful flowerbed:

  • KILL WEEDS 
    Spray all weeds with weed killer 1 to 2 weeks prior to mulching. This allows weeds to completely die, making them much easier to pull.
  • TRIM TREES AND BUSHES 
    Because of the debris produced, be sure to trim trees and bushes before applying new mulch.
  • CLEAN OUT MULCH BEDS 
    Remove all dead leaves, weeds and trimmings.
  • CULTIVATE
    Use a roto-tiller or hand cultivator to loosen any compacted soil or mulch. This allows moisture and air to pass through the mulch easier.
  • EDGE YOUR BEDS 
    Landscapes with clean edges enhance the appearance and give it a professional look.
  • RAKE SMOOTH 
    Use a stiff rake, such as a mud rake, to smooth all surfaces to be mulched. Otherwise, your mulch will look lumpy.
  • APPLY A PRE-EMERGENT 
    This is the time to prevent weed seeds. Apply the pre-emergent before mulching. A second application later further ensures protection from weed seeds. Note: Prevents germination of seeds from weeds.
  • IT’S TIME TO MULCH 
    Apply new mulch over the cultivated mulch or soil. Spread evenly to 2-inches thick, more or less, depending on budget and taste. When complete, water to moisturize mulch and settle it into place.
  • MULCH MAINTENANCE 
    After a month or so, check the mulch for compaction. If it’s compacted, use a garden claw or cultivator to loosen it. This allows water and air to pass, which helps prevent the growth of fungus and restores appearance.
  • FUNGUS 
    If present, remove it and the surrounding mulch. Rake existing mulch to cover the area. Then water thoroughly. Fungus is a sure sign that your mulch has compacted and your beds have dehydrated; cultivation and watering may be necessary.

 

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