A newbie question here.

I am pushed into container-gardening because i live in an apartment. And I have a big bag of organic mulch at my disposal.

Can i put the mulch in a container and plant directly or do i have to necessarily mix it with soil before planting.

Thanks!

You don't say what kind of mulch, but it almost certainly won't do to plant in it. You'll need compost (and nothing else) or a combination of potting soil and organic fertilizer. Meanwhile, take one of those containers and start a little compost "pile" with fruit and vegetable kitchen scraps.

From what source would you get the minerals that the mineral portion of soils provides?

I've been reading books that say mulch should be spread on ground. So, i assumed i could plant on it.

Would it work if i mixed potting soil with the mulch? A friend of mine offered a bag of organic mulch left by their previous landowners, dont know whats in it though.

would it be just safe to stick to a mixture of potting soil and organic fertilizer?

And yes, i've started my small compost bin. Looks like it might be 2 months before i could use it up though.

Mulch is not a planting medium, it is something used to cover the soil to aid in moisture retention, weed suppression, and to keep the soil cooler than it would be if exposed to the direct rays of the sun. You can put mulch down after you plant or you can plant through the mulch (as I do). If you are planting in containers use a good potting soil, not something labeled as mulch, and then put the mulch on top of the potting medium after you plant for the above reasons.

Great! Thank you very much
That helps!