How to Plant Ground Cover

If you're looking for a way to add a little extra beauty and foliage to your garden, then you may want to consider planting ground cover. Ground cover is a low-growing, spreading plant that can help to prevent soil erosion and weed growth, all while providing a beautiful and colorful look to your garden. In this article, we'll explore the steps involved in planting ground cover to help you get started on your new gardening project.

Step 1: Choose the Right Location

The first step in planting ground cover is to choose the right location. You'll want to find an area that gets plenty of sunlight and has well-draining soil. It's also a good idea to choose an area that's relatively weed-free, as ground cover may not thrive in areas with high weed populations. If you're not sure whether an area is right for ground cover, you can always do a soil test to determine the soil type and nutrient content.

Step 2: Prepare the Soil

Once you've chosen the right location, you'll need to prepare the soil for planting. Start by removing any existing grass or weeds in the area. You can do this by hand or by using a weed killer. After you've removed the grass and weeds, add compost or other organic matter to the soil to help improve its quality. If the soil is very compacted, you may also want to loosen it up with a tiller or cultivator.

Step 3: Choose Your Ground Cover

There are many different types of ground cover to choose from, each with its own unique characteristics and growing requirements. Some popular options include creeping thyme, creeping phlox, and carpet bugleweed. When choosing your ground cover, be sure to select a plant that's well-suited for the growing conditions in your area. You should also consider how much maintenance the plant will require, as some ground cover can be quite high-maintenance.

Step 4: Plant Your Ground Cover

When you're ready to plant your ground cover, start by spacing the plants out according to their recommended spacing requirements. Then, dig a small hole in the soil and place the plant in the hole, making sure that the roots are well-covered with soil. Water the plant thoroughly after planting and continue to water it regularly for the first few weeks to help it become established.

Step 5: Mulch Around Your Ground Cover

Finally, you'll want to mulch around your ground cover to help keep the soil moist and prevent weeds from growing. When mulching, be sure to use a light layer of mulch and avoid covering the ground cover itself, as this can prevent it from getting the sunlight it needs to grow.

In conclusion, planting ground cover is a great way to add some beauty and color to your garden while also helping to prevent soil erosion and weed growth. By following these simple steps, you can easily plant your own ground cover and enjoy all the benefits it has to offer.