Oak bed finished-should I mulch?

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overit Lithia Springs, GA May 14, 2009

Yet another newbie question-man I'm becoming annoying quick :)

I just finished planting the remaining hostas, fern, impatiens and caladiums in my oak tree bed...(shaded) It looks great...I raked the dirt a bit and watered but shoudl I mulch? I have cedar mulch....not sure when it's best to apply it, right after planting?

Thanks!

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gcorrier Lenoir City, TN May 14, 2009

On the rare occasion that I mulch a brand new bed I do it after a good watering. This allows the ground and mulch to soak up water. The area where mulch and soil meet will retain dampness and allow you to tell how well your bed will drain. If you add mulch first it is just a guess as to how ell watered and how the bedding area is draining. I prefer using stones on top of loose soil. Loose soil allows easier weeding.

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overit Lithia Springs, GA May 14, 2009

Thanks! Yes I watered it good-no puddles remained but it does stay damp-the whole area there and surrounding ground actually always stays damp. Ok-so it's mulched now-and I watered it again after the mulching. Hopefully they all hold!!!

There are 3 ferns, 3 caladiums, about 8 or so hostas, 1 fushia electric something and little impatiens around the center. Hopefully can get pics soon-thanks!

Now I have to wait for the lawn guy to come remove all my leave piles-I still have the plants/flowers in pots that I'm usign for the full sun and part sun gardens...they will be exactly where 2 piles sit haha....so right now I have them in sun...the part sun in part sun until he can get here-hopefully the next few days -I'm anxious to get those planted.

Post #6548826
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gcorrier Lenoir City, TN May 14, 2009

As for dampness the hosta generally like the others not sure. But you can easily over water ferns. I would probably pull back the mulch at least a distance equal to the size of the pot they came in. I nearly killed 3 autumn ferns by letting them stay to damp. Some sites actually recomend mound planting them in areas of wetness.

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