Spring is the perfect time to focus on landscaping and transplanting in your yard.
If you’re looking for a low-maintenance, sustainable solution for your garden edging or bare spots, ground covers might be just what you need.
But can you transplant them? The answer is yes! With a little patience and care, you can easily move your ground cover to a new location and enjoy a lush, beautiful landscape.
In this article, we’ll explore the best practices for transplanting ground cover and highlight some popular options for your yard.
So grab your gardening gloves and let’s get started!
Can You Transplant Ground Cover
Yes, you can transplant ground cover! In fact, spring and fall are the best times to do so. Avoid transplanting during extreme heat or cold conditions.
When transplanting, it’s important to note the plant spacing recommendations for the ground cover species you’re working with. If plants are spaced too far apart, they take longer to cover the desired area and weeds may become a problem.
Prepare the planting area at least a day ahead of time by working the soil to a depth of 10 to 12 inches and adding 3 to 4 inches of compost or manure. Water the area lightly the day before transplanting.
Dig the ground cover with a spade or garden fork, being careful to dig on all sides of the plant and keep the roots intact as much as possible. Remove any dead or yellowing areas, along with areas that have rotten, brown, or soft roots.
Place the ground cover on a piece of cardboard or in a cardboard box to move the plant to its new area. If you won’t be transplanting immediately, place the plant in the shade and keep the roots damp.
Dig a hole only as deep as the ground cover’s root ball, but two or three times as wide. Place the ground cover in the hole at the same soil level as it was previously planted. Back-fill the hole with reserved soil and water the area to settle the soil around the roots.
Spread 2 to 3 inches of organic mulch around the ground cover, but don’t pile it directly on the plants. Mulch will conserve soil moisture, deter weeds, and enrich the soil. Keep the soil damp until the transplanted ground cover roots, which is indicated by new growth.
Why Transplant Ground Cover?
There are several reasons why you might want to transplant ground cover in your garden. One of the main reasons is to thin out an overcrowded planting, which can lead to poor growth and disease. Transplanting also allows you to acquire plants to fill another area of your garden without having to purchase new ones.
Ground covers are also handy plants to have around as they can control erosion on a difficult slope or fill in bare spots next to a driveway or footpath. Most ground covers are evergreen and are often planted under shady trees where nothing else will grow. They are low-maintenance plants that usually require only an occasional trim once they’re established. Transplanting ground cover can help you achieve low-maintenance curb appeal at a low cost.
Another reason to transplant ground cover is to propagate the plants. Some ground covers, such as Angelina stonecrop, are very easy to propagate. Simply cut off a piece, throw it on the ground where you want it, water it once, and leave it alone. It will root within days and begin a new colony.
Dividing ground covers such as periwinkle is also a great way to start new plants from just one vine. This allows you to spread the ground cover over a larger area or fill in bare spots more quickly.
When Is The Best Time To Transplant Ground Cover?
The best times to transplant ground cover are during spring and fall. Transplanting during extreme heat or cold conditions should be avoided. It’s also important to note the plant spacing recommendations for the ground cover species you’re working with. If plants are spaced too far apart, they take longer to cover the desired area and weeds may become a problem.
Spring is a great time to focus on transplanting and landscaping your yard. Plants are beginning to regenerate after the long winter, but are not yet at their seasonal peak. This makes it a great time to move them about without greatly disrupting their desire to generate new growth. Transplanting ground cover in early spring allows the roots to establish before the heat of summer. If you live in a warm climate with mild winters, ground covers can also be transplanted in autumn.
When transplanting in the fall, it’s important to make sure that the perennial needs to be in its new location about six weeks before the first hard freeze. The best way of determining when to transplant is based on the flowering pattern of each plant. If your perennial blooms in the spring or early summer, it should be transplanted in the fall. If your perennial blooms in the late summer or early fall, transplant it in the spring.
In zone 5b, periwinkle is transplanted in spring to prevent winter heaving and plant loss. In warmer growing zones, early fall is also an option. It’s important to plan ahead and determine the best timing for transplanting ground cover based on your specific growing zone and the flowering pattern of each plant.
How To Prepare The New Location For Transplanting
Before transplanting ground cover, it’s important to prepare the new location properly. This will help ensure the success of the transplant and promote healthy growth of the ground cover. Here are some steps to follow:
1. Choose a suitable location: Identify an area in your yard where the ground cover will thrive. Consider factors such as sunlight, soil type, and drainage. Most ground covers prefer partial shade and moist, well-drained soil.
2. Clear the area: Remove any weeds or debris from the planting area. This will prevent competition for resources and ensure that the ground cover has room to spread.
3. Loosen the soil: Use a garden fork or tiller to loosen the soil in the planting area. This will make it easier for the roots of the ground cover to penetrate the soil and establish themselves.
4. Add compost or manure: Mix in 3 to 4 inches of compost or manure to improve soil fertility and structure. This will provide essential nutrients for the ground cover and help retain moisture in the soil.
5. Create planting holes: Dig holes in the prepared area that are slightly larger than the root ball of each ground cover plant you will be transplanting. Space the holes according to the recommended spacing for your particular species of ground cover.
6. Water the area: Water the planting area thoroughly before transplanting. This will help settle the soil and provide a moist environment for the roots.
By following these steps, you can ensure that your new location is prepared for successful transplantation of your ground cover plants.
Tips For Digging Up And Transplanting Ground Cover
If you’re planning to transplant ground cover, there are a few tips you should keep in mind to ensure a successful transplant:
1. Timing is everything: As mentioned earlier, spring and fall are the ideal times to transplant ground cover. Avoid transplanting during extreme temperatures or weather conditions.
2. Spacing matters: Be sure to follow the recommended spacing guidelines for the specific ground cover species you’re working with. Proper spacing will help the plants cover the desired area more quickly and prevent weed growth.
3. Prepare the planting area: It’s important to prepare the planting area at least a day ahead of time by working the soil and adding compost or manure. This will provide a nutrient-rich environment for the transplanted ground cover to thrive.
4. Dig carefully: When digging up ground cover, be sure to dig on all sides of the plant and keep the roots intact as much as possible. Remove any dead or damaged areas before transplanting.
5. Handle with care: When moving the transplanted ground cover, be gentle and avoid damaging the roots or foliage. Place the plant in a cardboard box or on a piece of cardboard if you won’t be transplanting immediately.
6. Plant at the same level: When planting the transplanted ground cover, be sure to place it at the same soil level as it was previously planted. This will prevent rotting and promote healthy growth.
7. Mulch for moisture: Adding organic mulch around the transplanted ground cover will help conserve soil moisture, deter weeds, and enrich the soil. Be sure not to pile it directly on top of the plants.
8. Keep soil damp: Until the transplanted ground cover roots, be sure to keep the soil damp by watering regularly. This will encourage new growth and ensure a successful transplant.
By following these tips, you can successfully transplant ground cover and enjoy a lush, low-maintenance landscape in no time!
Caring For Transplanted Ground Cover
After transplanting ground cover, it’s important to care for it properly to ensure its survival and growth. Here are some tips for caring for transplanted ground cover:
1. Watering: Water the ground cover regularly, especially during hot, dry weather. Keep the soil damp but not waterlogged.
2. Fertilizing: Most ground covers don’t require much fertilizer, but you can add a slow-release fertilizer to the soil when planting or apply a liquid fertilizer during the growing season.
3. Mulching: Mulch around the ground cover with 2 to 3 inches of organic material to conserve soil moisture, deter weeds, and enrich the soil.
4. Pruning: Trim the ground cover occasionally to maintain its shape and prevent it from becoming too leggy or overgrown.
5. Monitoring: Keep an eye on the ground cover for signs of pests or diseases. If you notice any issues, treat them promptly.
6. Dividing: Over time, the ground cover may become overcrowded and need to be divided. This can be done by digging up clumps of the plant and replanting them in other areas of the garden.
By following these care tips, your transplanted ground cover should thrive and provide a beautiful, low-maintenance addition to your garden.
Popular Ground Cover Options For Your Yard.
If you’re looking for a low-maintenance and visually appealing ground cover option for your yard, there are plenty of options to choose from. One popular choice is moss, which makes a beautiful border in Japanese gardens and requires no mowing, leaving more time for meditation. However, if you’re looking for something more diverse or unique, there are many other options to consider.
Creeping thyme is a hardy and aromatic ground cover plant that works well in dry, well-draining areas that receive heavy sun and little to moderate water. It comes in several varieties to suit any space, with some types maintaining a flatter finish than others. This low-growing plant is ideal as a ground cover and sprouts delicate purple, red or white flowers.
For bare spots under large trees, sunny slopes, and other challenging spots, a groundcover offers an easy solution for adding color. Plus, these plants act like a living mulch, protecting soil from erosion and drought. Some perennial groundcovers that work well in a variety of situations include sweet woodruff, ajuga, sedum, and creeping phlox.
If you’re looking for something more unique than traditional turf lawn grasses, consider using low-maintenance ground cover plants to fill in empty spaces and enhance your surroundings. With the right care and attention during transplantation, these plants can thrive in your yard and provide a beautiful and functional addition to your landscape design.
