tatianahdz

If you don't know where you planted the seeds, I'd add the mulch between the plants after the seeds have germinated and grown a bit, since the soil will warm up in the sunlight and hasten germination and first growth. To add it now would be similar to piling on more soil on top of the seeds, which I see you've recognized. One of the purposes of mulch is to keep the soil cool, which you probably don't need right now, as well as help with water retention.

Where are you located? (You can include your planting zone in your personal information so it shows up with your screen name, and then people won't have to ask you!)

Thanks, Anney! I'm in Zone 9 in Houston. So I guess I should add some around the plants but wait to do it around the seeds. I'm doing square foot gardening, so I have it all laid out in separate squares, which should make it easier to mulch each area separately.

Thanks so much for your help!!!

tatianahdz

For the future... I had about three inches of leaf-mulch left over from mulching last year's garden, so I just left it there this spring and planted my peas (24 feet of double-rows!) right in the mulch. They germinated fine and I doubt if I'll have to add more mulch for weed control for the peas. When they're finished, I'll plant okra, squash, cukes, and tomatoes there in the same mulch, but I'll probably need to add more mulch to keep things cool, moist, and weed-free. The pea-vines will also be included. I'm a big fan of mulch! Once it's down, it's really useful.

Thanks alot, Anney! I think I'll have a lot of mulch leftover, so it's good to know I can just plant directly in it. I appreciate your help.

Thanks again!!! :)

I like to use vermiculite for a mulch after planting small seeds - especially lettuce, etc. It helps keep the soil moist and seems to hinder - somewhat - slugs or snails, as it is a bit sharp in texture.

In the case of spinach, peas or beans, if the soil is too wet and cold - the seeds may rot if the mulch is too thick.

Just my 2 c's.

Bejay