I have a flower bed under our side porch with begonias, impatiens and elephant ears and looking so good now. Covered it all in mulch to conserve water. Problem is I have little mushrooms growing around. Easy to pull out but what will keep them from growing other than that. Also have to figure out how to get Mama Boogie (the cat) from pooping there. Soooo many other beds in the sunny areas that have mulch but does she use those? noooo just the one in the shade.
At my Mom and Pop nursery the owner said to mix 2 Tablespoons baking soda with one gallon of water, and spray it on them, or water them with it. I also heard some people just sprinkle baking soda on the ground, and water it in. Good Luck.