Mulching Around Young Groundcovers: Yes, But Temporarily

Puget Sound gardener: new landscape, wants mulch to suppress weeds but fears stopping groundcover spread.

Mulch Is Fine—Temporarily

• Apply mulch (straw, leaves, grass clippings) between plants.
• As groundcover spreads, pull mulch back to expose soil for rooting.
• Good mulches: straw, oak/leaf mulch (not hickory/walnut), grass clippings.

Benefits

Weed suppression, moisture retention, soil building. No harm to spreading groundcovers if managed.

Mulch now, reveal later—best of both worlds.