Old mulch

[Big Lou]

Is there any reason to remove old hardwood mulch before putting down new hardwood mulch? Another question. Is it best to plant new plants before or after putting down new mulch?

Pardon my simplistic questions.

 

[R.R.]

I would leave the old mulch where it is, because I want it breaking down and enriching my soil. I'm a newbie here, though, so don't take my advice to the bank just yet. I'm sure people with more experience will answer, too

 

[Big Lou]

That is what I've always done. Older practices are sometimes discontinued so thought it would be better to ask than be sorry.

 

[Chuck]

Is there any reason to remove old hardwood mulch before putting down new hardwood mulch? Another question. Is it best to plant new plants before or after putting down new mulch?

Pardon my simplistic questions.

Do like R.R. says. The old mulch slowly turns into compost. As for planting new plants just pull back the mulch until you see soil and plant. One thing to remember, don't let the mulch touch new seedlings because it might abrade them when they move back and forth in the breeze. On larger plants it doesn't make much difference

 

[Big Lou]

Do like R.R. says. The old mulch slowly turns into compost. As for planting new plants just pull back the mulch until you see soil and plant. One thing to remember, don't let the mulch touch new seedlings because it might abrade them when they move back and forth in the breeze. On larger plants it doesn't make much difference

Sorry for being dense. Pull back for new layer of mulch?

 

[JBtheExplorer]

When I was about to add mulch to my pond area I made sure to plant what I had first. It's much easier because if you lay mulch down and then go to plant, the mulch will mix with dirt while you're trying to plant.

Like chuck said, if you want to plant where the mulch is, rake the mulch away from the spot so it'll be easier to plant, then when you're done, push the mulch back around the plant.

 

[Chuck]

Sorry for being dense. Pull back for new layer of mulch?

No, just put the new on top of the old. Only pull back when planting something

 

[LouisFerdinand]

Mostly I have seen where people have put the new mulch on top of the old mulch.