How to Plant Through Pine Bark & Mulch
Mulch is used to keep moisture in flowerbeds, gardens and around trees, and to prevent the growth of weeds. Pine bark is one of many types of mulching materials. For best results, plant before you apply mulch. However, when necessary, it's possible to plant through pine bark and other types of mulch. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Trowel
- Small rake
- Gardening gloves
- Fertilizer
- Fresh soil
- Watering can
- Fresh pine bark or other mulch
Instructions
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1
Use a trowel to dig holes into the existing mulch. Dig the holes according to the directions for each plant you are placing. Dig narrow holes for seeds, and wider holes for transplanting rooted plants from pots.
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2
Keep existing mulch pushed back while transplanting plants or placing seeds. Wear gardening gloves to prevent splinters or irritation from working with the pine bark or mulch.
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3
Cover the plant or seeds with an adequate layer of fresh potting soil or dirt. Leave the mulch pushed back away from the new plants.
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4
Fertilize the new plants and water as recommended. Allow the plants to grow until they are several inches taller than the layer of mulch.
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Use gloves and a rake to rake the mulch back in around the new plant, leaving a circle a few inches wide around the new plant; this will allow water to more easily reach the roots. Add new, fresh mulch approximately 3-inches deep, to provide better protection from weed growth.
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Replace wood or other plant-based mulches annually. Remove stone or plastic mulches to remove weeds and weed roots, then replace. Make sure mulch stays on plant roots during the cold months; this insulates the roots and prevents the flowers or plants from freezing and drying.
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Tips & Warnings
Remove old mulch by shoveling or raking it out of the flowerbed or garden.
When weeds are peeking through the mulch, it is time to replace the mulch.
