Groundcovers are helpful garden beauties: They cool the soil, conserve moisture, reduce erosion, discourage weeds and serve as a living mulch beneath trees and shrubs. What’s more, they’re available in a range of textures, colors and sizes. To plant your groundcovers, first determine the correct spacing for your plants. Measure the total area to be covered and divide that by the how far apart the plants should be spaced to give you the number of plants you’ll need. To plant groundcovers from nursery containers, follow the steps shown in the pictures and described in their captions.
Planting Groundcover - Step 1
Prepare the planting area. Rake and level the soil, adding compost in a layer 1-2 inches deep and working it in. Remove any rocks and debris from the bed.
Photo Credit: ©2001 Dolezal Publishing/John M. Rickard
Planting Groundcover - Step 2
Mark each planting point based on your garden plan and the spacing requirements as indicated on the plant tag. Dig holes as deep as the growing container and slightly wider.
Photo Credit: ©2001 Dolezal Publishing/John M. Rickard
Planting Groundcover - Step 3
Remove plants from their nursery containers. Set the plants in the holes so their root crowns are even with the surrounding soil surface. Fill the holes, using your hands to gently firm the soil.
Photo Credit: ©2001 Dolezal Publishing/John M. Rickard
Planting Groundcover - Step 4
Water deeply and thoroughly, using a garden hose and sprinkler or an irrigation system. Water regularly until the plants are established.
Photo Credit: ©2001 Dolezal Publishing/John M. Rickard
Planting Groundcover - Step 5
Add a rich, 1- to 3-inch-deep layer of organic mulch around the plants, away from individual stems.
Photo Credit: ©2001 Dolezal Publishing/John M. Rickard
