How to Plant Ground Cover

Plant ground cover and prevent weeds from growing and keep moisture in the soil while improving the look of your garden beds. Here's how to with step-by-step directions.

By Gene and Katie Hamilton

Step 1 : Prepare the soil

Dig up the soil to remove any rocks and clumps and use a handheld forked trowel to finely work the soil.
Step 2 : Lay out the plants

Lay out the location for the plants and space them about 12 inches apart in diagonal rows for a random growth pattern.
Step 3 : Plant in the soil

Dig holes for the plants allowing them plenty of room to spread their roots and deep enough for them to have a sound foundation beneath the soil. Remove the plants from their containers being careful to contain their roots. Place each plant into the hole and cover it with soil. Compact the soil around them. Add fertilizer to each plant depending on how it should be applied. Add mulch to cover the ground around the plants.
Step 4 : Water with care

Keep the new plants well watered during their first few weeks of planting. Watch them for growth spurts and keep them free of weeds.