- Mulch The Groundcover Bed: After all plants have been installed apply a 2 to 3" layer of pinestraw or wood mulch throughout the planted area. When planting groundcovers that have long runners, such as Ivy, you can spread mulch before planting, and then rake back a small area in order to dig planting hole.
- Fertilizing Groundcovers: For optimum performance, most groundcovers should be fertilized twice a year; once in the early Spring, and again in early Fall. Fertilize groundcovers with a "nursery-type" slow-release fertilizer that contains micro-nutrients. You may substitute with an organic fertilizer that contains chicken or other types of manure as a base. Follow application instructions on product label.
- Watering Groundcovers: Newly planted groundcovers, from sprigs or 4" pots, should recieve at least 1" of water per week from rain, or hand watering, until plants have become established. Groundcovers planted from 1 gallon or larger size containers should also recieve 1" of water per week until rooted in. Once established, many groundcovers will need very little attention to watering, provided there is average rainfall.
- Pruning Groundcovers: At time of planting, groundcovers that are root bound, and have long, leggy runners, should be cliiped back by 25 to 50% to sponsor denser branching. Typically, groundcovers are low maintenance and therefore require little if any pruning once established. If the foliage of a groundcover grows out of bounds, or over lawn areas or other surfaces, you may clip back at any time of year.
Meet The Author
Brent Wilson - Brent Wilson is one of the co-founders of Gardenality. He is a fanatic gardener with a special interest in perennials and native plants.
Gardenality Administrator · More Articles By Brent »
