There are tons of choices that will bring beauty and fragrance to your doorstep. Since it takes a couple of years for ground covers to grow and spread over the area you want covered, weeding around the ground cover will remain a chore. The barrier also keeps the ground cooler by protecting it from the heat of the sun. It is often described as a ground cover. Neither mulch nor ground cover are foolproof when it comes to weeds. Repeat labor: have to fluff or add to existing mulch every year. It has been used to describe almost any plant that stays relatively low. Often two to three inches is recommended. ... and deep pink flowers bloom from June through July. By default, I spread a little mulch over the soil where I planted. Spread a 2- to 3-inch layer of organic mulch such as wood chips or shredded bark over the cardboard or landscape fabric. The easiest way I have found to work the leaves into the ground cover … Ground covers can spell "unkempt," and not the impression you want to give. Check plant tag to see how wide it can grow to know how close or how far apart you should plant them. Remember that hay and straw mulch may harbor weed seeds. Answer: If you're planting the entire area: rake the mulch into a pile or several piles to the edge of the area, plant your flowers and use the mulch to cover the ground between plants. One exception is if you use pea gravel mulch or inorganic mulch. Once you select an area to plant, prepare the soil in advance. Frankly, this is what came immediately to mind; it would quickly cover the mulch, it could climb the fence (that would look cool too), and I would simply use my weed wacker to keep it off … Leave 1 inch clear around the stems of desired plants. Terms of Use & Privacy Policy, Ground Cover Plants: Initial Thoughts & Research. Not all areas of your yard are conducive to a grassy lawn—and that’s where ground cover comes in. ... Gardeners do use ground covers like a mulch, to hold moisture and prevent erosion. Some decorative rock can be used as mulch and provides excellent weed control. There are two types of mulches—organic and inorganic. A standard bag of mulch covers approximately 6 square feet. These ground huggers hold in moisture, keep weeds at bay, and look good in the process. Juli has been gardening in her yard for 18 years. If this is a DIY (do it yourself) project, it requires a lot of labor: digging, lifting, scattering, and then smoothing it out. The new ground cover gains from mulch’s moisture and weed protection. Answer: Gardeners do use ground covers like a mulch, to hold moisture and prevent erosion. Prevent weeds from germinating on top of the fabric by using an inorganic mulch as a functional alternative. Under existing oak trees, use a stone mulch to cover the bare soil and do not plant anything, leaving the stone mulch itself as a ground cover. Mulch also helps to prevent tree trunk injury by mowers and trimmers. Your email address will not be published. Photo by Martin LaBars. Blow-In Mulch Service I would be careful, however, to keep some space between plants and the ground cover to prevent rust, mildew, and other problems. How to Spread Garden Mulch. Strulch ® is a light and easy to use garden mulch made from wheat straw for organic gardening.A patented process developed by Dr Geoff Whiteley at The University of Leeds, is used to ‘preserve’ the straw so that it lasts for … Basements. It's low maintenance but still needs attention including where you want it to grow. Generally, it takes two years for most plants to become established. Water and weed the planted area frequently during its first season. Question: Leaves are difficult to rake up with ground covers. 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