Are you tired of struggling to maintain a patchy lawn or dealing with pesky weeds? Look no further than Walk-On-Me Ground Cover!
This creeping thyme is a low-maintenance, aromatic solution for hard-to-plant areas and decorative ground cover. Not only is it deer-resistant and attractive to butterflies, but it also releases a delightful scent when walked on.
In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of planting Walk-On-Me Ground Cover, from selecting the right plants to caring for them after planting.
Say goodbye to the hassle of lawn care and hello to a beautiful, fragrant landscape.
How To Plant Walk On Me Ground Cover
Step 1: Selecting Ground Cover Plants
Before purchasing Walk-On-Me Ground Cover, read the plant tag to determine how much sunlight it requires. If the area you plan to plant in receives less than 6 hours of direct sunlight per day, opt for a shade-loving variety.
Ground covers are sold in various sizes, including 4-inch pots, 6-inch pots, full flats, and quart-sized pots. Smaller pots may save you money, but larger plants will provide instant impact.
Step 2: Preparing the Soil
Remove any weeds or turf grasses from the planting area. If the area was previously a lawn, use a sharp spade to remove the grass and roots. Add organic matter such as compost or rotted manure to improve soil quality.
Rake the area smooth and set the ground cover plants in their pots in their desired positions. Use a cardboard triangle as a template to ensure proper spacing and create a natural look.
Plant the ground covers at the same depth they were growing previously. If the plants are root-bound, gently tease apart the roots before planting. Water thoroughly after planting.
Step 3: Caring for Walk On Me Ground Cover
Mulch the ground covers immediately after planting to reduce weed competition and maintain consistent soil moisture. Use a loose mulch such as shredded bark that allows the plants to penetrate the soil.
Keep the ground covers slightly moist for the first week or so, then water only when the soil feels dry. Sprinkling granular, slow-release fertilizer over the bed can encourage new growth, but most ground covers will thrive without additional fertilizer.
Once established, Walk-On-Me Ground Cover will spread rapidly and provide a dense, fragrant carpet of color. Enjoy your low-maintenance, beautiful landscape!
Choosing The Right Location
Choosing the right location is crucial for successfully planting Walk-On-Me Ground Cover. These plants require at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day, so it’s important to select a spot that receives adequate sunlight. If the area you plan to plant in is shaded, choose a shade-loving variety instead.
It’s also important to consider the soil quality of the planting area. Walk-On-Me Ground Cover thrives in well-draining soil that has been enriched with organic matter such as compost or rotted manure. If the soil is heavy or clay-like, consider amending it with sand or perlite to improve drainage.
Additionally, it’s important to choose an area that can accommodate the spreading nature of Walk-On-Me Ground Cover. These plants spread rapidly by underground runners or rooting along their stems, so make sure to plant them in an area where they have room to grow and won’t invade other plants or areas of your landscape.
By selecting a location with adequate sunlight, well-draining soil, and enough space for spreading, you can ensure the success of your Walk-On-Me Ground Cover and enjoy a beautiful, low-maintenance landscape.
Selecting And Preparing Your Plants
When selecting Walk-On-Me Ground Cover plants, it’s important to read the plant tag to determine their sunlight requirements. If the area you plan to plant in receives less than 6 hours of direct sunlight per day, opt for a shade-loving variety.
Ground covers are sold in various sizes, including 4-inch pots, 6-inch pots, full flats, and quart-sized pots. Smaller pots may save you money, but larger plants will provide instant impact. However, keep in mind that smaller plants may take an extra season to catch up to their larger counterparts.
Before planting, remove any weeds or turf grasses from the planting area. If the area was previously a lawn, use a sharp spade to remove the grass and roots. Add organic matter such as compost or rotted manure to improve soil quality.
Rake the area smooth and set the ground cover plants in their pots in their desired positions. Use a cardboard triangle as a template to ensure proper spacing and create a natural look. Avoid planting ground covers in straight lines.
When planting Walk-On-Me Ground Cover, plant them at the same depth they were growing previously. If the plants are root-bound, gently tease apart the roots before planting. Water thoroughly after planting.
After planting, mulch the ground covers immediately to reduce weed competition and maintain consistent soil moisture. Use a loose mulch such as shredded bark that allows the plants to penetrate the soil.
Keep the ground covers slightly moist for the first week or so, then water only when the soil feels dry. Sprinkling granular, slow-release fertilizer over the bed can encourage new growth, but most ground covers will thrive without additional fertilizer.
By following these steps, you can select and prepare your Walk-On-Me Ground Cover plants for optimal growth and beauty in your landscape.
Planting Walk-On-Me Ground Cover
Walk-On-Me Ground Cover is an excellent choice for those looking for a low-maintenance, walkable ground cover plant. Here’s how to plant it:
Step 1: Selecting Ground Cover Plants
When purchasing Walk-On-Me Ground Cover, make sure to read the plant tag to determine how much sunlight it requires. If the area you plan to plant in receives less than 6 hours of direct sunlight per day, opt for a shade-loving variety.
Ground covers are sold in various sizes, including 4-inch pots, 6-inch pots, full flats, and quart-sized pots. Smaller pots may save you money, but larger plants will provide instant impact.
Step 2: Preparing the Soil
Remove any weeds or turf grasses from the planting area. If the area was previously a lawn, use a sharp spade to remove the grass and roots. Add organic matter such as compost or rotted manure to improve soil quality.
Rake the area smooth and set the ground cover plants in their pots in their desired positions. Use a cardboard triangle as a template to ensure proper spacing and create a natural look.
Plant the ground covers at the same depth they were growing previously. If the plants are root-bound, gently tease apart the roots before planting. Water thoroughly after planting.
Step 3: Caring for Walk On Me Ground Cover
Mulch the ground covers immediately after planting to reduce weed competition and maintain consistent soil moisture. Use a loose mulch such as shredded bark that allows the plants to penetrate the soil.
Keep the ground covers slightly moist for the first week or so, then water only when the soil feels dry. Sprinkling granular, slow-release fertilizer over the bed can encourage new growth, but most ground covers will thrive without additional fertilizer.
Once established, Walk-On-Me Ground Cover will spread rapidly and provide a dense, fragrant carpet of color. Enjoy your low-maintenance, beautiful landscape!
Watering And Fertilizing
Watering and fertilizing are important aspects of caring for Walk On Me Ground Cover. Proper watering ensures that the plants grow and spread quickly, while fertilizing provides them with the necessary nutrients to thrive.
To water Walk On Me Ground Cover, it is important to keep the soil consistently moist without overwatering. Overwatering can lead to root rot, which can kill the plants. The knuckle test is an effective way to determine when the plants need watering. Stick your finger into the soil surrounding the plant and water when the soil is dry to the first knuckle. Deep watering sessions are recommended as they allow you to water less frequently while ensuring water reaches the roots.
Fertilizing is not always necessary for Walk On Me Ground Cover, but it can help encourage new growth. Granular, slow-release fertilizer can be sprinkled over the bed after planting to provide nutrients to the plants. For established plants, fertilizing once a year before the growing season is sufficient. However, if the plants start to look pale or sparse, use a complete fertilizer to give them a boost.
Maintaining Your Ground Cover
Maintaining your Walk On Me Ground Cover is relatively easy, especially once the plants are established. Here are some tips for keeping your ground cover healthy and attractive:
1. Watering: During the first year after planting, water your ground covers regularly to help them become established. Once they are mature and established, they may only need occasional irrigation or rainfall alone. However, it is important to keep the soil moist during periods of drought or extreme heat.
2. Mulching: Apply a thick layer of mulch to control weeds, conserve moisture, and moderate the soil temperature. This will also help to keep the ground cover looking neat and tidy.
3. Fertilizing: Most ground covers do not require additional fertilizer once they are established. However, if you notice that your plants are not growing as well as they should be, you can apply a granular, slow-release fertilizer over the bed.
4. Pruning: Some ground covers may need occasional pruning to maintain their shape and prevent them from spreading too far. Pruning older stems will allow young, more vigorous and attractive foliage to grow back into the area.
5. Weed Control: The most critical step to weed control occurs during bed preparation before the plants are planted. Eliminate all perennial weeds in the bed at the time of soil preparation. During establishment, achieve weed control by frequent shallow cultivation and hand pulling. Adding one to two inches of mulch reduces weed growth and keeps the soil moist.
By following these simple maintenance tips, you can enjoy a beautiful and low-maintenance Walk On Me Ground Cover for many years to come.
Enjoying The Benefits Of Walk-On-Me Ground Cover
Walk-On-Me Ground Cover offers numerous benefits for your garden. This creeping thyme is a low-growing, evergreen plant that forms a dense mat of foliage, making it an excellent choice for ground cover. It is also deer-resistant and attracts butterflies, adding to the beauty of your garden.
One of the most significant benefits of Walk-On-Me Ground Cover is its ability to tolerate foot traffic. As its name suggests, you can walk on it without damaging the plant. This makes it perfect for planting in walkways, between stepping stones, or as a lawn alternative.
Another benefit of Walk-On-Me Ground Cover is its aromatic fragrance. When you walk on it, the whole area will be filled with the fresh, earthy smell of thyme. This makes it an excellent choice for planting near outdoor seating areas or along paths where you can enjoy its fragrance.
Walk-On-Me Ground Cover is also low-maintenance and easy to care for. Once established, it requires little water and no fertilizer. It is also drought-tolerant and can grow in poor soil conditions.
In addition to its practical benefits, Walk-On-Me Ground Cover also provides aesthetic benefits. Its small evergreen leaves and clusters create a beautiful green carpet that adds texture and color to your garden. Its inconspicuous lime-green to white flowers add even more interest, making it an attractive addition to any landscape.
Overall, Walk-On-Me Ground Cover is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a low-maintenance, fragrant ground cover that can withstand foot traffic. With proper care and maintenance, it will provide a beautiful and functional addition to your garden for years to come.
