Planting Cut Flowers in Different Mulch Types
In this garden trial, we’re putting five mulch types to the test by planting sunflowers and zinnias to see how each mulch affects growth. Two planting methods are used across all sections: transplanting seedlings and direct seeding. Thanks to heavy spring rains, the soil was already saturated when we began planting.
We set up six sections of the garden—each featuring a different mulch or, in one case, no mulch at all. Celeste Scott, UT Extension Horticulture Specialist, planted the flowers. In every section, planting followed the same spacing: seedlings and seeds were placed in two rows, each row about a foot apart, with plants spaced six inches within the row. Transplants were set into the soil at the same depth they were in their pots. Sunflower seeds were sown an inch deep, while zinnia seeds were planted at half an inch.
Woven Landscape Fabric (Weed Barrier)
To plant in woven fabric, you can either melt holes with a blowtorch or cut them with a blade. Celeste opted for the razor blade, slicing long slits in the material. Both transplants and seeds were placed along these slits.
Black Plastic
Instead of slits, small holes were made for each transplant to keep the plastic cover as intact as possible, limiting weed growth. For seeds, a single long cut for each row provided space for planting.
Pine Needle Mulch
The pine needles were pulled aside to create a trench. Transplants went into the exposed soil, and some mulch was gently pushed back around them—just enough to protect but not smother the young plants. Seeds were sown into the same kind of trench but left uncovered; the trenches will be filled in once the seedlings emerge.
Hardwood Mulch
This method mirrored the pine needle technique. Mulch was moved aside to expose the soil, and planting was done directly into the earth. Transplants were surrounded with mulch again, while seeded areas remained bare until germination.
Cardboard
For transplants, X-shaped cuts were made in the cardboard so the flaps could be lifted, soil accessed, and then the cardboard folded back in place. For seeds, a narrow strip was cut out to form a planting row.
Bare Ground (Control)
Every good experiment needs a baseline. In our control plot, plants were placed directly into bare soil, with no mulch to help conserve moisture or block weeds.
We’ll be tracking how these different mulch types affect flower growth and weed suppression throughout the season. Stay tuned for updates as this planting experiment unfolds.
Related Videos:
Growing Cut Flowers at Home: A Beginner’s Guide
Using Plastic and Woven Landscape Fabric Mulch in the Garden
Boost Your Bloom: How to Pinch Cosmos for More Flowers!
Flower Seed Passalong Favorites
Organic Mulching Options
Notes – Why to Use (and Love) Mulch!
Related Resources:
Growing Cut Flowers for Joy
Start to Finish: Growing a Cut Flower Garden
We set up six sections of the garden—each featuring a different mulch or, in one case, no mulch at all. Celeste Scott, UT Extension Horticulture Specialist, planted the flowers. In every section, planting followed the same spacing: seedlings and seeds were placed in two rows, each row about a foot apart, with plants spaced six inches within the row. Transplants were set into the soil at the same depth they were in their pots. Sunflower seeds were sown an inch deep, while zinnia seeds were planted at half an inch.
Woven Landscape Fabric (Weed Barrier)
To plant in woven fabric, you can either melt holes with a blowtorch or cut them with a blade. Celeste opted for the razor blade, slicing long slits in the material. Both transplants and seeds were placed along these slits.
Black Plastic
Instead of slits, small holes were made for each transplant to keep the plastic cover as intact as possible, limiting weed growth. For seeds, a single long cut for each row provided space for planting.
Pine Needle Mulch
The pine needles were pulled aside to create a trench. Transplants went into the exposed soil, and some mulch was gently pushed back around them—just enough to protect but not smother the young plants. Seeds were sown into the same kind of trench but left uncovered; the trenches will be filled in once the seedlings emerge.
Hardwood Mulch
This method mirrored the pine needle technique. Mulch was moved aside to expose the soil, and planting was done directly into the earth. Transplants were surrounded with mulch again, while seeded areas remained bare until germination.
Cardboard
For transplants, X-shaped cuts were made in the cardboard so the flaps could be lifted, soil accessed, and then the cardboard folded back in place. For seeds, a narrow strip was cut out to form a planting row.
Bare Ground (Control)
Every good experiment needs a baseline. In our control plot, plants were placed directly into bare soil, with no mulch to help conserve moisture or block weeds.
We’ll be tracking how these different mulch types affect flower growth and weed suppression throughout the season. Stay tuned for updates as this planting experiment unfolds.
Related Videos:
Growing Cut Flowers at Home: A Beginner’s Guide
Using Plastic and Woven Landscape Fabric Mulch in the Garden
Boost Your Bloom: How to Pinch Cosmos for More Flowers!
Flower Seed Passalong Favorites
Organic Mulching Options
Notes – Why to Use (and Love) Mulch!
Related Resources:
Growing Cut Flowers for Joy
Start to Finish: Growing a Cut Flower Garden