How do i landscape/install Mulch?

MrsSonny24

I have a fenced in backyard, my plan is to do something like this:

http://img849.imageshack.us/img849/4827/mulch.jpg

Only without the cement edge.  Currently, i have grass up to my fence.  Do i need to dig a couple inches deep by a couple feet wide around the fence, or can i do something easier.  I want it to be easy to mow, so the edge needs to be even with the grass.  Please advise.  Thanks!

Sue-n-Kevin

You may not want that exact edge, but you are going to need something to hold the mulch in place. If there is no edge, then then over time the mulch creeps into the grass, reducing it's efficiency (it holds weeds out of your garden), and possibly ruining lawn mower equipment.

You can use a short fence of some type that goes down into the dirt if you don't like cement. But it should be capable of holding the mulch in place somehow.

What you've described is about right for digging depth and width. However, you might want to buy landscaping fabric, which is usually a black fabric that goes between your dirt and the mulch. It keeps weeds from growing up through it into your "dug out" area. It's not that expensive. Also, mulch is often not heavy enough to hold the landscaping fabric down. I've used inexpensive rocks/stones (it doesn't matter what they look like) to top the fabric, then mulched over it. You then dig through the mulch fabric to plant your plants, OR you can use annuals in pots if you don't want to plant directly into the ground.

Hope that helps.

~NB~

If you create a proper edge, the mulch will not encroach onto the grass. The edge should be and angled trench to prevent mulch wash-out. You don't nned to do anything but remove the grass, and dig the edge right.