How to Grow Groundcover
Wikimedia Commons
Groundcover
Various species
groundcoverGroundcovers are low-growing plants that spread horizontally to form dense mats, typically ranging from a few inches to 2 feet tall. They serve functional and aesthetic purposes in landscaping, suppressing weeds, preventing soil erosion, and providing visual interest. Common groundcovers include creeping thyme, sedum, ivy, ajuga, and creeping phlox.
When should you plant Groundcover in your zone?
Get a personalized planting timeline — when to start seeds, transplant, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Free to start.
Example Groundcover timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
-
Plant Groundcover
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
-
Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
-
Harvest Groundcover
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Groundcover dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Varies by species; hardiness ranges from zones 2-11 depending on specific groundcover type
Sign up free to see if Groundcover grows in your zone — and get a personalized planting timeline.
Get my Groundcover timeline →Growth Stages
Establishment
4-8 weeksYoung plants are transplanted and begin rooting into new soil; growth is slow as energy focuses on root development rather than spreading
Water regularly to keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; apply mulch around plants (not touching stems) to retain moisture; avoid foot traffic; remove weeds regularly
Vegetative Growth
2-4 monthsPlants develop stronger root systems and begin spreading horizontally; stems elongate and send out runners or stolons; foliage becomes denser
Water moderately as needed; gradually reduce frequency as drought tolerance increases; apply balanced fertilizer (10-10-10) monthly during growing season; pinch back stems if needed to encourage bushier growth; continue weed management
Spreading & Filling
2-12 monthsPlants expand to fill allocated space; runners root at nodes creating new plantlets; dense mat begins to form and suppress weeds
Reduce watering for established drought-tolerant types; maintain consistent moisture for shade-loving types; apply slow-release fertilizer in spring; lightly prune to shape and encourage branching; no foot traffic until fully established
Maintenance & Maturity
Year 2 and beyondGroundcover reaches full coverage and density; plant is fully established with strong root system; appearance stabilizes and becomes uniform
Water only during drought for drought-tolerant types; adjust watering schedule based on rain; fertilize annually in spring; prune or trim annually to maintain desired appearance and height; divide overcrowded sections every 2-3 years if needed; monitor for pests and diseases
Seasonal Changes
Ongoing, seasonalGroundcover responds to seasonal variations; evergreen types maintain foliage year-round; deciduous types lose leaves in fall; some bloom seasonally with flowers or color changes
Remove fallen debris in fall to prevent disease; avoid heavy foot traffic in winter for frost-sensitive types; apply winter mulch in cold climates for tender species; prune dead growth in early spring; protect from harsh winds if needed
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
-
Increase humidity with misting; spray with water to dislodge; use neem oil or insecticidal soap if severe; ensure adequate air circulation
-
and
Remove debris and mulch to reduce hiding spots; hand-pick in early morning; use beer traps; apply diatomaceous earth; encourage natural predators like ground beetles
-
Improve air circulation by pruning; avoid overhead watering; apply sulfur dust or fungicide in early stages; remove affected foliage
-
Ensure excellent drainage; avoid overwatering; remove affected plants if severely diseased; apply fungicide to soil if caught early
-
Spray with strong water stream; use insecticidal soap or neem oil; introduce beneficial insects like ladybugs; remove severely infested stems
-
Hand-pull when soil is moist; apply pre-emergent herbicide before planting; maintain dense groundcover to suppress weed growth; mulch heavily between plantings
Uses
Erosion Control & Slope Stabilization
HouseholdGroundcovers prevent soil erosion on slopes and hillsides by stabilizing soil with their root systems and reducing water runoff impact. They are essential in landscaping for protecting embankments and preventing nutrient loss. [source]
Weed Suppression & Low-Maintenance Landscaping
HouseholdDense groundcover mats naturally suppress weed growth by blocking sunlight and competing for resources, reducing the need for manual weeding or herbicides. This creates attractive, low-maintenance landscape areas. [source]
Pollinator & Wildlife Habitat
WildlifeFlowering groundcovers like creeping phlox and sedums attract pollinators including bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Dense groundcovers provide shelter and nesting habitat for beneficial insects and ground-dwelling creatures. [source]
Edible & Culinary Groundcovers
CulinaryCertain groundcovers like creeping thyme, mint varieties, and alpine strawberry are edible and provide fresh herbs and fruits for cooking and tea. These dual-purpose plants offer both aesthetic and culinary value. [source]
Aesthetic Landscaping & Garden Design
CraftGroundcovers add visual interest, color, and texture to landscapes, create defined spaces, frame pathways, and fill gaps between shrubs and trees. They offer diverse foliage colors (gray, burgundy, variegated) and seasonal flowers. [source]
Harvest Tips
Groundcovers are not typically harvested for yield; however, foliage of edible/culinary types (creeping thyme, mint groundcovers) can be clipped as needed for fresh use; trim back by 1/3 annually in early spring to maintain vigor and density; deadhead spent flowers to encourage continued blooming in flowering groundcovers; take cuttings for propagation in spring or early summer during active growth
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Some groundcovers like creeping fig and ivy can cover over 100 square feet from a single plant over several years, making them economical for large-scale landscaping projects.
- 🌱 Thyme groundcovers release aromatic oils when walked on, making them popular for between-stone plantings in pathways and medieval-style gardens.
- 🌱 Certain groundcovers like sedum are highly drought-tolerant due to their succulent leaves that store water, allowing them to thrive in xeriscape gardens with minimal irrigation in arid climates.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
Join 30,000 gardeners planning their gardens with LizPlants.
Get your personalized Groundcover planting timeline
Tell us your zip code and we'll calculate exactly when to start Groundcover seeds, transplant seedlings, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Includes calendar reminders and printable task lists. Free to start.
Get my Groundcover timeline →