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 Site and Soil Preparation
As
with any permanent landscape planting, time spent preparing
the site pays off. Pay special attention to removing weeds,
especially perennial weeds, from the bed prior to planting.
Grass and weeds may be killed by using a systemic non-selective
herbicide or by covering the area with a sheet of black
plastic for 1-3 months.
If using herbicide follow all label directions
for timing of application, mixing, and applying. If this is
not done,
the weeds will grow
back, compete with the new plantings and result in poor and
slower establishment of the groundcover. Once the weeds
have been killed,
they may be tilled into the soil. (Remove any seed heads
before tilling.) Till the area to a depth of 6-8 inches adding
organic
matter to help improve soil tilth.
Apply one to two pounds of 5-10-5 or similar fertilizer
per 100 square feet. After the site is prepared, and if practical,
leave
the area unplanted for about 2-3 weeks. During this time,
any perennial weeds not eliminated will regrow and can easily
be
removed. This
helps to reduce any major invasion of weeds after the area
has been planted.
Planting
Plant most groundcovers in the spring or fall. Summer planting
requires more attention to watering. Fall planted groundcovers
may require mulching to prevent frost heaving of the plants.
Spacing of plants depends on the plant’s habit, rate
of growth, cost and how fast the area needs to be covered.
In general,
space faster
growing groundcovers further apart than slow growing types.
(See spacing chart for guidelines on number of plants required
for
certain square footage and spacing suggestions.) Plant
groundcovers in
a staggered or diamond pattern for best results. When planting
on slopes, mulch the area after planting or plant through
fiber netting to help hold the soil in place. Allow at
least one to
two growing seasons for the area to become completely established.
Maintenance
Groundcovers require a minimum amount of maintenance once
established. Irrigate newly planted groundcovers so
roots become well established.
Keep the area free of weeds by shallow cultivation.
After the first season, water as needed only during dry periods
in summer
or fall.
Weed Control The most critical step to weed control occurs during
bed preparation before the plants are planted.
Eliminate all
perennial weeds
in the bed at the time of soil preparation. During
establishment, achieve weed control by frequent
shallow cultivation
and hand pulling.
Adding one to two inches of mulch reduces weed
growth and keeps the soil moist. Some ground covers may
need occasional
pruning
to maintain them within the space provided. Pruning
older stems will allow young, more vigorous and
attractive foliage to grow
back into the area. |
