Ground cover consists of low-growing plants that spread horizontally, forming a dense vegetative mat over broad areas of land. These hardy species provide year-round interest and reduce maintenance compared to traditional lawns. Planting ground cover offers significant benefits, particularly in managing soil loss on slopes or areas prone to water runoff. Replacing turfgrass with these durable alternatives also reduces the need for frequent mowing and extensive chemical application.
Preparing the Planting Area
The long-term success of any ground cover planting depends heavily on thorough preparation of the site before plants are introduced. Eliminating existing vegetation, especially perennial weeds, is a necessary first step because established weeds can easily outcompete the newly planted ground cover. Methods like solarization, which involves covering the area with clear plastic sheeting during warm months, can effectively sterilize the topsoil and kill weed seeds and existing plants using heat.
For persistent weeds with deep root systems, such as bindweed or thistle, hand-weeding is often necessary to ensure the entire root structure is removed, preventing immediate regrowth. If using non-selective herbicides, follow all label instructions and allow the recommended time for the chemical to fully act before disturbing the soil. Proper weed eradication saves considerable effort later.
Understanding the existing soil composition is also important, as most ground covers require well-draining conditions to prevent root rot. A simple soil test can reveal the current pH level and nutrient deficiencies, guiding the selection of appropriate amendments. Incorporating organic matter, such as well-rotted compost or aged manure, improves both the soil structure and its water-holding capacity, which supports healthy root development.
Defining the exact boundaries of the planting area before installation helps manage the project and prevents the ground cover from spreading into unintended spaces. This boundary can be marked using landscape edging, a shallow trench, or simply a line of spray paint to clearly delineate the prepared soil.
Proper Installation Techniques
Ground cover is often purchased as flats of small plugs, individual potted plants, or dormant bare roots, and each type requires a slightly different approach. Determining the appropriate spacing is a balance between achieving quick coverage and managing the project budget.
For aggressive, fast-spreading varieties, placing plugs or small pots 12 to 18 inches apart generally allows for complete coverage within two or three growing seasons. Slower-spreading or larger-maturing varieties may need closer spacing, perhaps 6 to 10 inches apart, to reduce the time it takes for the canopy to close. When digging the planting hole, it is important that the hole is no deeper than the height of the root ball itself.
The base of the plant should sit flush with the surrounding soil surface, ensuring the crown is not buried, which can lead to stem rot. If the plant is root-bound, meaning the roots are tightly circling the container, they must be gently loosened or scored with a knife before planting. This action encourages the roots to grow outward into the surrounding soil rather than continuing to circle, which can stunt the plant’s long-term growth.
After placing the plant in the hole, fill the space with prepared soil, gently pressing down around the base of the plant with your hands. This step is necessary to eliminate any large air pockets that could dry out the delicate root hairs and cause the plant to fail. The final, firm pressure secures the plant in place and ensures direct contact between the root ball and the surrounding soil particles, allowing water uptake to begin immediately.
Establishing New Ground Cover
Immediately following the installation of the ground cover, a focused watering regimen is necessary to help the plants settle and begin root growth. During the initial establishment period, which can last several weeks, the plants require deep, consistent hydration to prevent the roots from drying out. Watering should penetrate the entire root zone, encouraging the roots to grow downward rather than remaining near the surface.
Instead of frequent, shallow sprinklings, a less frequent but thorough soaking is much more beneficial for encouraging deep root development. Applying a layer of organic mulch, such as shredded bark or pine straw, immediately after planting helps to maintain soil moisture and moderate soil temperature fluctuations. A layer of mulch approximately two to three inches deep is sufficient to suppress the germination of new weed seeds while preventing water loss through evaporation.
Newly planted ground cover benefits from a light application of a balanced, slow-release fertilizer shortly after planting to provide nutrients as the roots expand. This initial feeding supports the energy demands of root establishment and new shoot growth. Monitoring the new planting for signs of stress, such as yellowing leaves or wilting, can indicate a need for adjusted watering or the presence of pests.
Inspecting the plants regularly allows for early detection of insects or disease outbreaks, which can be managed more easily before they spread across the entire area. Maintaining consistent moisture and managing weed competition during this first few months ensures the ground cover develops a strong, healthy foundation.