How to Make a Mulch Bed – A Simple DIY Guide for Beginners

A mulch bed is an easy and inexpensive way to spruce up your garden or yard. Mulch beds look tidy and put-together while also providing a number of practical benefits Mulching helps suppress weeds, regulates soil temperature, retains moisture, and prevents erosion And unlike grass or planted beds, mulched areas don’t require regular mowing, watering or maintenance.

Making a mulch bed is a relatively simple DIY project that can be completed in an afternoon. In this beginner’s guide, we’ll walk through the basic steps for installing a mulch bed from start to finish.

Choosing the Location

When selecting where to put your mulch bed. consider the following

• Sun exposure – Most mulches look best in full sun Areas that get a mix of sun and shade work too Avoid heavily shaded spots if possible.

• Purpose – Do you want the mulch bed to edge a planted area? Encircle a tree? Define a path through your yard? Select a location that suits your needs.

• Size and shape – Mulch beds can be any size or configuration. Curve the edges for a soft, natural look or make straight lines for crisp definition.

• Drainage – Mulch beds don’t handle puddling well. Choose a spot with good drainage and slope to prevent water pooling.

• Accessibility – Pick an area you can easily reach with a wheelbarrow for adding mulch.

Once you’ve chosen your spot, outline the shape of your mulch bed with a hose or spray paint so you have a template to follow.

Prepping the Area

Preparing the site is an important first step for a long-lasting mulch bed.

• Cut back overgrown vegetation and remove rocks, roots and debris. Rake to even out the soil.

• For a fresh canvas, mow down existing grass or weeds as short as possible. This discourages regrowth under the mulch.

• Use a flat shovel or garden spade to carve a 3-4 inch deep trench around the perimeter of your bed. This “keyhole” will neaten the edge and prevent mulch from spilling out.

• Measure the length and width of your mulch bed in feet to estimate how much mulch you’ll need. As a rule of thumb, plan for 2-3 inches of mulch depth.

Edging the Bed

Adding an edging gives your mulch bed a polished, professional look. Edging options include:

• Landscape timbers – These are affordable and easy to install. Use 6-8 inch wide boards about 6 feet long. Hammer rebar stakes every few feet to hold them in place.

• Plastic or metal – Long-lasting plastic and flexible aluminum edging neatly defines the bed perimeter. Anchor with stakes.

• Brick or stone – A masonry border has a timeless, elegant look. Set pavers or stones into the ground on their sides to encircle the bed.

• No edging – You can skip edging altogether for a natural, casual style. The mulch will gradually feather out at the edges.

Leave a 1-2 inch gap between edging boards or pavers to allow rainwater drainage.

Adding Plants (Optional)

Most mulch beds contain only mulch. But you can intersperse plants if desired:

• Annuals or perennials add pops of color. Plant in groups or clusters.

• Shrubs, bushes or small trees planted inside the bed provide structure. Space evenly.

• Groundcovers like vinca, ivy or thyme spread appealing foliage. Allow space to fill in.

• Bulbs can be naturalized for spring blooms before mulching. Plant in drier areas.

Dig holes for each plant, positioning them attractively inside the bed. Water thoroughly after planting.

Installing Weed Barrier (Optional)

Weed barrier fabrics help block light to prevent weed seeds from sprouting up through your mulch. Common options include:

• Landscape fabric (geotextile) – Woven or non-woven polypropylene fabrics allow water flow while suppressing weeds.

• Newspaper or cardboard – Layer 4-6 sheets of overlapping newspaper or flattened cardboard boxes below mulch.

• Plastic sheeting – Thick plastic sheets provide an impenetrable weed barrier but can affect drainage.

Cut barrier materials larger than your bed to tuck under the edges. Weigh down the center with rocks or landscape staples until mulch is added.

Adding Mulch

Now comes the fun part – mulching! Dump wheelbarrow loads of mulch into the bed and spread it out evenly using a rake. Aim for a 2-3 inch layer. Leave a slight crown in the center to shed water. Work the mulch into edges and corners.

Good mulching materials:

• Wood chips – Often free from tree services. Avoid leaf litter and stick to wood chips.

• Shredded hardwood – Uniform shredded bark with an attractive reddish-brown color.

• Pine straw – A popular option in southern climates. Arrange bundles in layers.

• Buckwheat hulls – Light colored, seed-free hulls are less likely to float away.

• Pea gravel – Inorganic pea gravel comes in various natural tones. Doesn’t break down.

Top off thin spots as needed until you’ve added the desired depth across the entire bed. Gently water the finished mulch bed to settle the material.

Maintaining the Mulch Bed

With the heavy lifting done, just a bit of periodic care will keep your mulch bed looking freshly groomed:

• Replenish mulch as it decomposes or shifts over time. 1-2 inches per year is typical.

• Pull any weeds or invasive grass you notice growing in the bed. It’s easy when they’re small.

• Rake or stir the mulch occasionally to prevent matting and maintain an even appearance.

• Check edging materials and repair or replace any damaged sections as needed.

• Consider switching to a fresh mulch type each season for variety.

Now get out there and mulch it up! With a little sweat equity you can install a polished, low-maintenance mulch bed that adds instant curb appeal and elegance to your landscape. This simple DIY project is very satisfying to complete yourself.