How to Plant Corn in Cedar Mulch

Overview

Last year's garden has gone dormant and you've planned a new garden, but what do you do with all that cedar mulch that is covering your gardening plot from last year? You can still plant new corn seeds in the garden, even with the cedar mulch there. The old mulch has been breaking down for the past few months and is beginning the composting process, delivering nutrients to the soil, so the ground underneath is ripe for planting with just a few alterations.

Step 1

Remove any leftover stalks, weeds and debris that may remain from last year's crops.

Step 2

Establish where you are going to plant your rows and mark them with stakes to help you align them correctly. Rows should be between 2 and 3 feet apart. If desired, mark both ends of each row with a stake and tie a string tightly between them to help form straight rows.

Step 3

Rake the corn plot, moving the mulch from the center 8 to 10 inches of each row and placing it between your rows of corn.

Step 4

Spread 2 to 3 inches of compost into the center of each row of corn and mix it into the soil, using a shovel. Turn the soil at least 8 inches deep to aerate it.

Step 5

Plant the corn seeds about 1 inch deep in the rows, spacing them about 3 to 4 inches apart. Simply press the seeds into the dirt with one finger and cover slightly with surrounding dirt.

Step 6

Rake the cedar mulch back into the rows, but be sure to leave 2 inches on each side of the seeds free of mulch until the plants have grown to a size of roughly 2 feet tall. Add more new mulch once the plants become established.