5. Plant the Smaller Plants

Lay out your plants before planting.
Pull or cut the cardboard back.
Dig a hole that is as deep as the root ball and 3 times wider than it.
Break up the root ball before planting.
Keep the mulch away from the crown of the plant.
  • Punch or cut holes in the cardboard and place your larger plants in the soil under the mulch. In cooler climates, smaller plants (4-inch pots) can be planted right into the mulch/compost layer on top of the cardboard. Add compost around the root ball if compost was not included in the previous layer. 
  • Find plant selection tips and plant lists on StopWaste's website.

Tip: Layout plants prior to planting to check spacing and see how it all looks.

You're all set!  To keep your new garden happy and healthy, check out:

 Step 6:  Maintain Your Garden