Ground Covers - Expert Tips for Gardening Success
When incorporating ground covers into your garden, here are some expert tips to ensure their success:
- Right Plant, Right Place: Ground covers, like all plants, have specific needs for sun exposure, water, and soil conditions. Always select plants that match the conditions of your site. This will not only ensure your plants thrive but also reduce the need for maintenance.
- Prepare the Soil: Prior to planting, prepare the soil by removing weeds and amending it with organic matter. This will provide your ground cover plants with a healthy start.
- Proper Spacing: While it might be tempting to plant ground covers close together to achieve instant coverage, it’s important to space plants according to their mature spread. This will prevent overcrowding and promote healthier growth.
- Watering and Feeding: Water new plantings regularly until they establish. Some ground covers might need supplemental watering during dry periods. Regular feeding with a balanced fertilizer can promote vigorous growth.
- Weed Control: While ground covers are often used to suppress weeds, they can sometimes struggle to compete with aggressive weeds. Use mulch to suppress weeds until the ground cover becomes established.
- Pruning: Some ground covers, like ivy or creeping jenny, can spread rapidly. Don’t hesitate to prune them back if they become too aggressive.
- Plant in Groups: Plant ground covers in groups of five or more for quick coverage and a more natural appearance.
By following these tips, your ground cover plants will be set up for success, providing beauty and function to your garden for years to come.
