Ground cover plants add texture, contrast to all kinds of landscapes

One of the more versatile groups of plants to grow in the landscape is ground covers.

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Ground covers are low-growing plants that are planted in mass to cover large areas.

They have many practical uses. Ground covers control erosion when planted on slopes or banks. They are substitutes for turfgrass in areas that are too shady. They can become attractive accents for areas that are too narrow for shrubs. Another benefit is that they eliminate costly and time-consuming maintenance, such as mowing, edging and trimming.

Another benefit of ground covers is the aesthetics that they add to the landscape. They can soften harsh lines of buildings and parking lots, and provide contrast with texture and color.

There are numerous ground covers that do well in our area. You can find a ground cover that will meet the conditions where you need the plant to grow. These come in many different shapes and sizes.

Some of the more common ground covers to use in full sun conditions are Daylilies, Liriope, Mondo grass, St. Johnswort, Thrift, and junipers. Ground covers that do well in the shade are Algerian Ivy, Asiatic Jasmine, Bugleweed, English Ivy, Lenten Rose, Liriope, Mondo grass and St. Johnswort. These plants will range in height from 2 inches to 2 feet.

To have a successful ground cover planting, start with proper soil preparation. This begins with a soil sample. You have to know what nutrients are in the soil before you can grow plants successfully. This soil sample needs to be taken two to three weeks prior to planting.

The best time for planting is in the fall and winter. This is true for all shrubs and trees. There are several reasons for this. The first reason is that the temperature is cooler and the plants are not as stressed. Also, we get most of our rain during this time. However, the main reason is that the root system will develop over the winter.

During the winter, the ground in our area seldom gets cold enough to stop root development. In the spring, the root system should be expanded and stronger than one planted in the spring or summer. Ground covers can still be planted in the spring and summer, but it takes more care for them to survive and grow.

As with any plant, the way the soil is prepared is very important. Add organic matter to sandy soils to hold water or ground pine bark to clay soils to improve drainage. Two to 3 inches of these materials added over the bed area and tilled in will improve the soil conditions. Also, incorporate lime and fertilizer according to the results on the soil sample. If you didn't soil sample, add 2 pounds of lime per 100 square feet of bed area. Add 3 pounds of 5-10-15 fertilizer per 100 square feet of bed area.

After planting, provide proper maintenance of the ground cover to ensure good growth, rapid coverage and an acceptable appearance. To help with weed control, apply a light mulch layer. Mulches do more than help control weeds; they help conserve moisture and promote a cooler soil environment during the summer.

After planting and adding mulch, water the bed area thoroughly. Apply enough water to penetrate to a depth of 12 inches. Check the soil every week to ensure there is enough moisture in the soil.

To get these plants to cover the ground quickly, fertilize them periodically during the first growing season. If you planted in the fall, apply a nitrogen fertilizer in the spring and again in four to six weeks. If you use ammonium nitrate, apply 3/4 cup per 100 feet of bed area. If you use sodium nitrate, apply 1.5 cups per 100 feet of bed area. Make sure the foliage is dry when you apply these fertilizers or you can burn the plants. After fertilizing, water thoroughly to a depth of 6 to 8 inches. This will move the nitrogen into the root zone. A word of caution: Nitrogen fertilizers will increase the water demands on your plants, so don't let them become too dry before watering.

Ground covers can add many benefits to your landscape. To reap the most of these benefits, select the proper ground cover, follow proper planting procedures and maintain them so they will cover the area as quick as possible.

Columbia County Extension Agent Charles Phillips can be reached at (706) 868-3413 or charlesp@uga.edu. The Extension is online at ugaextension.com/columbia.