Covering the Ground

What do we mean by ground cover? Perennial (often evergreen), low growing, spreading plants that hug the ground from just above soil level to around 18″ high.  Ground covers offer an eco-friendly alternative to lawn or mulch while preventing weeds and erosion. These plants provide versatile, creeping solutions for pathways, slopes, and perennial borders. They slowly carpet the soil. Free-standing plants (sedge, heuchera, ferns, etc..) can also be used as ground covers when densely planted in a matrix.

Advantages of Ground Cover:

Weed Suppression.  For anyone with a deficit of time or a bad back—practically eliminate the need for weeding in your garden by planting ground cover. It’s far better to have an attractive plant you selected covering bare soil rather than an invader with ill intentions.

Prevention of Moisture Loss.  Shading the soil in our warm, dry summer conditions helps moisture remain and prevents accelerated evaporation.  Most ground covers ultimately require less water and some are drought tolerant, so over the long run you’re not requiring additional water.  Water is a precious resource, so let’s treat it like one.

Beautification.  Ground covers provide an easy way to knit together different parts of your garden with a common design element and, just like larger plants, they provide color, texture, scent, and interest throughout the year.  This is especially true of slopes that can be difficult to plant and where they can aid in soil retention and help prevent erosion.

Pollinator Benefit.  Most ground covers bloom and often provide pollens and scents that attract beneficial insects, further increasing the biodiversity in your garden.

Low Maintenance Gardening.  By choosing ground covers that aren’t overly ambitious you are adding a layer to your garden that requires little from you but offers many benefits. For larger areas consider a more aggressive growing ground cover such as Vinca Minor (Periwinkle). This will do well in Fremont and surrounding areas!

While ground cover can be planted and do well in the Bay Area at any time of year, fastest results occur when planting ground cover in the early spring or fall. Prepare the soil with compost, remove weeds, and arrange plants in staggered rows for fast coverage. Space plants 6–12 inches apart based on mature width (and type), then mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Water deeply until established to ensure a dense, weed-suppressing carpet.

Be Sure to Choose the Right Ground Cover for Your Landscape, Whether it Requires Shade or Sun…or Both!

Site Preparation: Remove all weeds and existing grass, then amend the soil with compost to ensure good aeration.

Spacing: Use a staggered or diamond-shaped pattern rather than straight rows to speed up coverage. Generally, space plants 6–12 inches apart, though this depends on how quickly you want the area filled.

Planting: Dig holes, placing the top of the root ball level with the ground.

Mulching: Apply 1-2 inches of shredded bark or pine straw to retain moisture and limit weed growth.

Watering: Keep the soil slightly moist for the first few weeks after planting. Once established, many ground covers require little maintenance beyond occasional watering when the soil is dry.

Weeding: Regularly weed the area until the ground cover spreads and creates a dense mat that naturally suppresses further weed growth.

Maintenance: Some varieties may need to be pruned or trimmed back to maintain their shape or to keep them from growing into unwanted areas.