HO-106
Yard and Garden
HORTICULTURE DEPARTMENT COOPERATIVE EXTENSION SERVICE PURDUE UNIVERSITY LAFAYETTE INDIANA 47907
GROUND COVERS
John A. Wott
Ground covers are low growing plants which are useful for covering large areas in the landscape; and they can solve many planting problems in difficult sites. Ground covers can replace grass in shady locations, provide erosion control on dry slopes, and provide cover under trees, shrubs or in narrow spaces where grass mowers are impractical. The wide variety of low-growing plants available as ground covers presents a wide range of special effects in form, texture, color and mass. Ground covers can provide a "finishing touch" to a landscape.

Preparation
Like any ornamental tree or shrub, ground cover plantings will become a permanent part of the home landscape. Thorough preparation of the planting sites is a must. Perennial weed areas should be cleared before planting ground covers, since most cannot compete against established weeds.
Improper soil preparation is a frequent cause of ground cover failures. In level sites, the soil should be worked to a depth of 8 to 10 inches. Incorporate a two-inch layer of peat moss, compost or well-rotted manure thoroughly into the soil. Coarse builders' sand can also be added on heavy soils. Other soil additives such as perlite or vermiculite usually don't hold up well, and on slopes, adding them is usually impossible.
Also incorporate a complete fertilizer, such as 10-10 10 or 12-12-12 at the rate of 1 1/2 to 2 pounds per 100 square feet of bed area. Never add lime or sulfur unless the soil pH has been checked.

Planting
In general, most ground covers can be planted at any time of the year. However, spring plantings are most successful. Fall plantings are successful if planted early and watered regularly to encourage quick establishment. Late fall plantings often suffer from frost heaving.
Plants in peat pots can be planted at any time during the growing season. Follow the instructions given for planting annuals in peat pots in HO-99, "Growing Annual Flowers". Always water the plants thoroughly immediately after planting.
Space the plants according to their size, the immediate effect desired, and their rate of growth and habit. For example, Pachysandra and Vinca usually are spaced 6 inches apart, while shrubs such as Cotoneaster and juniper are spaced three feet apart.

Care
Weed control is a must until the ground cover is fully established. When weeds are allowed to invade ground cover plantings, they are not only unsightly but the weeds also compete with the newly planted ground cover. Often, it's impossible to remove weeds once they begin.
A two inch layer of mulch, such as peat moss or wood chips, will control 90 per cent of the weeds. On slopes, coarse netting is also used to hold the slope until the ground cover is established.
Water during the first and succeeding years as necessary. Generally, an inch of water applied weekly will do. Dry slopes and areas of severe competition may need watering during any dry periods.
Cooperative Extension Work in Agriculture and Home Economics State of Indiana, Purdue University and U.S. Department of Agriculture Cooperating. H. G. Diesslin, Director, Lafayette, Ind Issued in furtherance of the Acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914.