Can I plant flowers in mulch?
Question:I'd like to plant flowers in front of my home between presently existing bushes. I have pretty thick mulch between the bushes. Can I clear away the mulch where I want to plant any flowers and then push it back in place? Will some flowers actually grow in mulch? I'm a real novice gardener. Thanks
Answers:
Even flowers need mulch. You don't say what kind of mulch is around your shrubs. Here in the south we use pine straw or bark. For flowers I recommend using pine bark mini nuggets. The mini nuggets are smaller 1" to 2" and don't interfere with the flower's growth. The smaller pieces decompose faster too, so you may be able to till in the left over mulch next season. Don't forget to add an organic soil conditioner when planting, and work to a depth of 12" for best results. Make sure you don't work the soil like that within the drip line (where the water drips off the leaves) of the shrubs. Also learn more about the flowers. There are annuals that last one season, and perennials that come back each year. Annuals give big show longer (my favorite is the "wave" petunia), perennials take more abuse, come back each year, and can often be divided for more plants every 3 to 5 years (try the "Stella de oro" daylily. Happy gardening. Plants are like precious children, without the lip!
Absolutely! the mulch actually helps keep the plants moist & blocks weeds.
You may be a novice, but you are smart. The flowers will grow just fine.
move the mulch and plant the flowers according the nursery's recommendations. mulch is a great way to conserve heat, reduce weeds, and decrease water waste.
Well, you should ckeck the bushes first 'cause if they are growing and bigger maybe they'll take take the nutrient from your flowers. If everythiong is ok, then clear the mulch where you want to plant any flowers and then push it back in place.
A very few plants, such as iris, don't like to be mulched (their rhizomes must sit partly above the soil) but mulch is great for rmost other flowers. If the bushes shade your flowers, be sure to choose shade or part-shade flowers. It is better if mulch doesn't actually touch the flower stem, as it can cause rot. But yes, flowers will grow through mulch!
Yes you can. All flowers will grow in mulch, though be careful some mulches like bark and pine needle mulch can affect the pH value of the soil so they are best used for acid loving plants. Be sure when filling the mulch in around the plant to leave at least an inch around the base of the plant so you don't choke it.
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