New Landscape Bed Preparation: Simpler Than You Think

Skip the Double-Tilling – Build Up Instead

For a shaded front bed with azaleas, rhododendrons, and Japanese maple: save time and money by adding quality topsoil directly on existing grade to create berms. No need to re-till amendments in.

Planting Process

1. Place plants, backfill with 50/50 native soil and peat moss.
2. Form water-collecting saucers around each plant.
3. Apply Espoma Holly-tone (acid-lovers) or Plant-tone (others) around bases.
4. Rain activates granular fertilizer – no mixing needed.

Weed Suppression & Mulch

Lay 2-4 layers of newspaper, then 2-4 inches of shredded hardwood mulch. This blocks weeds while retaining moisture.

Shade Plant Reality Check

Skyrocket junipers, azaleas, and red maples need partial sun to flower/maintain color. For deep shade, consider hostas, impatiens, dogwoods, arborvitae. Consult local nursery for site-specific selections.