West Coast Groundcovers - Mass Planting Where no Plant has Grown (well) Before

It is usually best to space the plants so the ground cover areas will, for the most part, be completely covered by the end of the third growing season. Spacing depends on the plant chosen. Check the tags for information, or ask the staff at the store for help.

Preparing the site The success of your new groundcover plants will hinge on the job you do in preparing the planting spot.

• First, remove all weeds and grass. Wait 2 weeks to see what emerges. Weed again. If your soil has pernicious weeds, such as morning glory or horsetail, see our staff about non-persistent herbicides to clear the area. By all means, don't plant your groundcover until the weeds are not only under control, but gone.
• Amend the soil with organic matter, such as mushroom manure, compost or peat moss. Dig in to the top 1 foot (30 cm) of soil.

Planting

• Sprinkle the area with bonemeal.
• Rake the bonemeal in and level the area off roughly.
• If you are planting a large area, find a board to kneel on as you plant; this will prevent compacting the soil with your knees and feet.
• While the plants are still in their pots, place them around the area to be planted. Move the plants around until they look evenly spaced.
• Dig in a small handful of bone meal under each plant as you place it in the ground.
• Firm the soil around each rootball to eliminate air pockets, which can dry out the plant.
• Gently and thoroughly water the area.
• Water plants in with Transplanting Fertilizer. This is a liquid that feeds new roots and also forces new roots onto the plants with natural plant hormones. Check for it at your local garden store -- it can help to get young plants on their way quite easily.
• If the weather is hot and dry, cover the area with reemay fabric, or other row-cover, which will shelter the plants and help them recover from planting shock.

Future Care Now that your new groundcover is in place, a little work over the next few years will be necessary to get it to colonize its new home. Keep the area weed-free and water thoroughly during dry spells. Feed the plants in summer with a slow-release all-purpose fertilizer. All organic fertilizers are slow release. Sprinkle the area with bonemeal again in about September to feed the young roots. Shrubby groundcovers can be sheared lightly in spring to encourage bushiness and healthy spread.

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