topic Re: Adding Mulch and Soil to Garden in Garden

Adding Mulch and Soil to Garden

Violet Fields — Sat, 24 Apr 2021 17:58:50 GMT

One of my gardens is low on dirt, so I'm adding that and also need to add mulch. The problem is, there are a whole bunch of little alyssum seedlings coming up from last year. I'd like to let them grow, but will the mulch/dirt kill them if they're covered up with it? Or will they grow right through it?

Re: Adding Mulch and Soil to Garden

fthunt — Sat, 24 Apr 2021 18:44:31 GMT

I was waiting for an expert gardener to answer.............I'll give it a shot.

It takes a lot to stop mother nature - but go easy with adding soil & mulch around or in contact with the little plants. After they have reached their growing height - add more of your materials.

Many spring plants even survive late snow - let them continue to get sun & water - new soil is good for the nutrients.

happy spring

Re: Adding Mulch and Soil to Garden

AuntG — Sat, 24 Apr 2021 18:49:05 GMT

If you are adding just one or two inches, I'd think they would work their way through.

Re: Adding Mulch and Soil to Garden

Violet Fields — Sat, 24 Apr 2021 22:53:36 GMT

Thanks for your replies! I think I'll put more dirt and mulch over the seedlings but will try to keep it light. Then I'll add more later as they get bigger, if it's still needed. Alyssum smells so good (like honey!), I want to keep them growing.

Re: Adding Mulch and Soil to Garden

Sweetbay magnolia — Sat, 24 Apr 2021 23:17:40 GMT

Let them get established before you pile stuff on them.

Re: Adding Mulch and Soil to Garden

jannabelle1 — Sun, 25 Apr 2021 00:51:24 GMT

I would not add soil or mulch on top of the alyssum if it's coming up....let them come up and then add the soil, etc around them once they have some growth.

Re: Adding Mulch and Soil to Garden

Kabella — Sun, 25 Apr 2021 17:14:42 GMT

@Violet Fields I would only add more soil if your just top dressing which benefits a flower bed etc... If your raising the soil wait for them to grow more, then lift them out & put them on top of a cool damp sheet without covering the top of them but around the roots.You don't need to pot them before you transplant. Prepare your bed with your soil...Plant the Alyssum the same or next day & cover with mulch. If you live in a warmer climate it won't take long for them to grow with warm days. I know everyone is itching to garden & now is a good time to divide some plants & plant new ones depending on which part of the country you live. whew, the end....

Re: Adding Mulch and Soil to Garden

Violet Fields — Sun, 25 Apr 2021 22:57:17 GMT

Thanks for the replies. The soil level needs to be raised for a lot of the garden. There are too many little plants to take them out and transplant, although this would be the best option probably. I'll try to fill in the areas that are really low with dirt if there aren't too many plants there. Then I'll add more around the plants after they are bigger.