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direct sowing question

15 years ago

I have decided to add some color, with zinnias, to a new bed. It has already been mulched. Do I need to pull back the mulch, sow the seeds, then wait to replace the mulch after seedlings are up?

I have winter sowed for a few years now. This will be my first time to direct sow. Thanks for your advice. taterbug

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Comments (4)

ken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5
15 years ago
most seeds need to be in contact with mother earth .... and not suspended on top of mulch ...

ken
taterbug
Original Author
15 years ago
Yes, got that-but do I need to wait until the zinnias are up before I replace the mulch, or can I go ahead and put the mulch on top of the seeds?
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Donna
15 years ago
You need to leave the mulch off until the seeds germinate. (The mulch blocks the light that germinates the seed.) I usually wait until they have two sets of true leaves before I replace the mulch. Also, I "sow" slug bait with the seeds or risk losing them as quickly as they germinate.
izharhaq
15 years ago
Good advice Donna, Zinnia seedlings are on the top in Slug menu...

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