laying compost

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jtnjenn Anoka, MN Jun 02, 2010

Hi everyone, I was wondering how to lay compost down to an already-established flower bed or vegetable garden. Do I scratch it into the surface or just lay it on top? Or should I dig all around the plants and fill in with compost?
Thanks!

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pastime Waterman, IL(Zone 5a) Jun 03, 2010

It's a time consuming job laying mulch in flower beds that are full of plants. I just had to do that last week. You don't have to scratch the soil, but you do need to weed first. Using a shovel just lay the mulch on top of the soil. Don't let it pile up around the plant bases. You may have to get in there and spread it around with your hands. Three inches of mulch is the optimum depth for good weed control. I always hose the bed when I'm finished to wash any mulch off the plants' leaves so it looks pretty.

Are you getting the mulch delivered by the cubic yard, or are you buying it in bags? Hardwood mulch with pine fines is good stuff. There is also mulch mixed with compost so you're getting weed control and improving your soil. Cedar mulch is pretty, but it's absorbent and a water stealer.

Good luck.

Post #7854297
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jtnjenn Anoka, MN Jun 03, 2010

No, I'm not talking about mulch - I want to add compost to my flower beds. I read somewhere on this site that when a gardener added compost to her flower garden it just took off. I want to know if I can just spread it on top of the dirt or do I have to dig it into the ground around the plants?

Post #7854369
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pastime Waterman, IL(Zone 5a) Jun 03, 2010

Sorry, it was too early in the morning when I read your thread. Obviously I have mulch on the brain. It would help to work the compost into the soil. Use a hoe and work it in a little.

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