How to Prep Mulch Beds
A mulch bed recreates a forest's floor, which is rich in decaying organic matter that feeds the plants that are alive. Layers of decomposing twigs, bark and leaves also reduce water evaporation, suppress weeds and insulate roots from temperature fluctuations. When you plan a garden, whether the area you choose is bare or covered with weeds, grass and other plants, begin by transforming the site into a fertile mulch bed. Sheet mulching is one simple process to accomplish this task. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Hoe
- Composted organic matter
- Grass clippings
- Water
- Newspaper or cardboard
Instructions
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1
Hoe weeds and grass, and cut down woody plants present in the site. Leave the chopped vegetation on the ground unless it's diseased. Remove large woody sections that take too long to break down and possibly block root development.
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2
Spread a 2-inch-deep layer of decomposing organic matter over the freshly cut plants. Use manure, compost, dead leaves or a mixture.
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3
Broadcast grass clippings over the bed of fresh and composted organic matter. Washington State University Cooperative Extension says weeds are also viable if grass clippings aren't available, as long as you're certain they're free of seeds.
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4
Water the layered mulch bed thoroughly until the water reaches the soil under its entire length and width.
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Cover the irrigated mulch bed with overlapping sheets of newspaper or cardboard.
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Apply a final layer of organic matter to the bed. Use organic mulch material such as leaves, sawdust or grass clippings.
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Make holes in the mulch bed to start planting non-woody vegetation. Washington State University suggests it's easier to plant trees and shrubs first. Then, build the mulch bed around them.
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References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
