by Karin Breuer

Created on: May 22, 2009

Tips to consider when planting groundcovers

You've been leafing through some gardening magazines and you have fallen in love with how a garden, almost like your own, has been transformed by a planting of groundcover. That is the answer, you think, to that shady area under the trees or perhaps that steep embankment that is beginning to develop little canyons from the water run-off when you turn on your sprinkler. And well it might be. But it helps to do a little research before running to a garden center to buy the plants that you found in your magazine.

Often people plant groundcovers with the idea that it will solve all their gardening problems. What could be better than ground cover to reduce the amount of weeding that is needed? What could be easier than to fill in an area that always looks barren? What a relief to leave a piece of garden up to nature to take care of instead of the regular toil needed by flower garden or lawn. Or is it really a relief?

Ground covers can indeed solve some problems and initially require less maintenance than turf or annuals, but left unchecked, ground covers tend to take over the garden including the spaces for other plants. Unless you are vigilant and at times ruthless in defending the space for other plants, ground covers can lead to more frustration than pleasure. Most groundcovers are perennials and will grow quickly so it is essential that they are held in check. Many people also believe that ground covers will eliminate weed problems. While it is true that groundcovers can inhibit weed growth, the soil must be thoroughly cleaned of weeds before planting groundcover. Even then, weeds will eventually grow and must be removed to avoid their competing for soil nutrients and water with the groundcover plants.

Before planting, begin by assessing the problem in the garden. Since groundcovers fall into many different classifications it is essential to determine what your needs are. Do you need groundcover for a:

(1) sun-exposed area

(2) a shady spot

(3) dry and perhaps rocky spot

(4) consistently damp corner

(5) steep incline

(6) garden path

Each of these problems requires a different type of plant. There are some good charts available on the internet that will assist in planning for suitable groundcovers.

The second step is to determine the type of groundcover that would be most suited to your needs. Do you prefer ground cover that is:

(1) a conifer or leafy plant

(2) produces

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