Pacific beach strawberry, for instance, is a hardy perennial groundcover native across nearly the entire North American Pacific coast. It’ll tolerate being walked on, but isn’t great for recreational activities. [2] X Research source Dymondia and ice plants are both good options that will grow tight to the ground. [3] X Expert Source Rob LitmanLicensed Landscaper & General Contractor Expert Interview. 13 October 2020. If you need spots for heavy foot traffic or outdoor playing, consider utilizing border edging and putting weed fabric underneath permeable hardscapes, such as decomposed granite, mulch, or gravel.
For example, Moss phlox loves sunlight and, as a bonus, produces flowers that attract butterflies. For shaded areas, consider a vine or ivy native to your location, like Virginia creeper, which is native from Quebec and Ontario to Central America. Keep in mind that some types of vines and ivies are very aggressive in growth, and can spread quickly up and into trees or onto buildings. Your local home improvement store or nursery will carry groundcovers with various light preferences that thrive in your climate. If you have any questions, ask them about the best perennial choices for your sunlight exposure and hardiness zone. You can also, if applicable, refer to the Sunset Western Garden book or your State Landscape and Nursery Association for suggestions.
For example, Creeping Jenny and English Ivy are both considered invasive in locations across the eastern United States. They might grow quickly and provide quick coverage, but they’ll push out your other groundcover choices and change your native soil’s chemistry.
Kill the vegetation by either using a chemical herbicide or complete vegetation killer. Closely follow the directions that come with the product and use it with caution. To kill your vegetation organically, cover the area with black plastic to block out the sunlight. This will effectively kill the vegetation over a long period of time.
A power roto-tiller is your best option. If you don’t have one, the most affordable choice would be to rent one from your nearby home improvement store.
Mulch will help the soil retain moisture and discourage weed growth.
If you want to keep cost low, purchase fewer plants and increase the distance between seedlings. For instant coverage, a 15 by 20 foot space (4. 6 by 6 meters) requires about 300 plants planted only a few inches apart. If you can wait a year or two, you can use a fraction of that number, plant seedlings ten to twelve inches apart, and wait for them to develop coverage. [10] X Research source Often, bedding plants are spaced for planting in a triangular pattern for faster fill in. You can make your own spacing tools with PVC pipe or lumber. Use marking paint, highly visible tape, or permanent marker to mark the measured distance of desired planting.
Choosing plants native to your location will decrease the need for watering. Since they’re adapted for your location’s climate, rainfall will be enough to sustain them once they’re a year old and have established their roots.
