Ground cover plants are a low-maintenance way to add interesting color and texture to any yard. Most people think of ground covers as low-growing mats of green leaves. But some ground covers can grow as tall as four feet and many have attractive flowers. There are even evergreen ground covers, for color throughout the year. The thing that unites these plants under the designation "ground cover" is their ability to spread and quickly form a dense cover.
The uses for ground covers are as varied as the plants themselves. They are perfect for densely shaded areas of the yard where grass won't grow or steep slopes that are difficult to mow. Ground covers provide texture and contrasts, especially between different planting areas. Ground covers reduce soil erosion and many will grow in marginal soils. Many ground covers are perfect for dry climates where most other plants just will not grow.
Although annual ground covers exist, they require frequent care and, of course, yearly re-planting. They are suitable only for people who like to frequently change the look of their landscaping. For a low-maintenance yard, most people prefer perennials. Once established, these plants will pretty much take care of themselves, allowing you to sit back and enjoy.
When selecting ground cover plants, remember that just like any other plant, ground covers have preferred sun and soil conditions. Some plants will grow in a range of conditions, but others prefer full sun or shade. Your local garden center can help you determine which ground covers will work best in your garden.
As with any plants, the key to easy ground cover plants is in the initial planting. Put in the extra work to prepare the soil well before planting to avoid extra work down the road. Spring and fall are the best planting times. Spring planting allows time for the plants to establish themselves before winter. Fall plantings may require mulching to protect the new plants from frost. If you do plant in the summer, be aware that your new plants will require extra water to ensure best health.
The first step in bed preparation is to kill all the weeds in your selected area. If you have the time and the patience, cover the soil with black plastic for at least one month-up to three months is ideal. For a quicker solution, use a glyphosate herbicide, which does not leave a harmful residue. Either way, once the weeds are dead, till them under.
The entire bed should be tilled to about 6-8 inches. This is also the time to add in additional organic matter if needed. Also, apply 5-10-5 fertilizer to the area, following the directions for application amounts. At this point, if you have not run out of patience, wait another two to three weeks to allow any weeds that were not killed to re-grow. It will be easier to see and pull them without plants in the way.
Finally, it is time to plant. If you've chosen a single plant type, the only thing remaining is to determine the number of plants you need. If you are planting a variety of ground covers, you will need to plan out a pleasing arrangement, preferably with taller plants in back and low-growing varieties in the foreground.
Ground cover plants should be planted in a staggered pattern for the fastest, most even coverage. You can lay out a pattern in rocks to ensure plants are spaced evenly. Spacing will depend on many factors, including growth rate, how quickly you desire full coverage, mature plant size, and even your budget. Research your desired plant to determine the ideal spacing; there is usually an acceptable range somewhere between 6 and 18 inches. You can modify the spacing slightly, planting closer together for quicker coverage or farther apart if your budget is low. Don't expect full coverage in the first season. Ground cover plants usually require at least two growing seasons to reach maturity.
Ground covers are low-maintenance, but not maintenance-free. Foliage should not be allowed to become too dense, as this encourages disease. Prune every year or two to thin foliage. Pruning not only discourages disease, it encourages new, more attractive growth and, for bush-like plants, allows you to shape your plants for better coverage.
The only other maintenance most ground covers require is water and yearly fertilizer. In the first year, water frequently until plants are established. Then water only as needed. Shallow cultivation and spreading mulch between plants in the spring can help prevent weed growth.
Finally, sit back and enjoy a beautiful yard.