Ground Covers for your Landscape

There are many useful and asthetically pleasing ways to use ground covers for your landscape.  Under a large shade tree where grass will not grow.  On a steep hillside or embankment for erosion control.  Or just because they look nice.

When preparing to plant a groundcover, keep in mind that it will be planted for a long period of time so take extra care and prepare the soil correctly.  First, remove all sod and till the soil to a depth of 6 inches.  Add organic material to improve the soils aeration, water penatration and infiltration.  Compost, well rotted manure, peat moss, or similar materials should be added liberally.

Most grouncovers can be planted anytime of the year but most are in the spring and fall.  Spacing between plants depends on the habit of the plant, its rate of growth and the desired effect.  Plants such as English ivy, pachysandra and vinca minor are usually planted on one foot centers and junipers and euonymus are 3 feet apart.

Watering plants at regular intervals is a must until plants are established and also during dry weather after establishment.  Completely wet the soil.  Use of lawn sprinklers or soaker hoses is the most effecient method.

Weeds can be reduced by the use of mulch around the plants.  Pre-emergence herbicides should be used to control weeds as they germinate.