When it comes to creating a lush, healthy, and visually appealing garden or landscape, one of the most important yet often overlooked elements is ground cover spacing. Proper spacing of ground cover plants not only ensures vigorous growth and coverage but also prevents disease, weed growth, and maintenance challenges. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about ground cover spacing—why it matters, how to do it effectively, different types of ground covers, and best practices to achieve a thriving garden.
Ground Cover Spacing Calculator
What Are Ground Covers?
Before diving into spacing specifics, let’s define what ground covers are. Ground covers are low-growing plants that spread horizontally, covering the soil. They serve multiple purposes in landscaping:
- Erosion control: Their roots stabilize soil.
- Weed suppression: A dense carpet reduces weeds by limiting sunlight.
- Aesthetic value: They add greenery, flowers, and texture to garden beds.
- Moisture retention: Dense foliage helps maintain soil moisture.
- Low maintenance: Many ground covers require less mowing and upkeep.
Common examples include creeping thyme, ivy, pachysandra, vinca, sedum, ajuga, and various grasses and mosses.
Why Does Ground Cover Spacing Matter?
Spacing influences how well your ground covers will grow and function. Proper spacing is critical for:
1. Healthy Plant Growth
Crowding plants too closely competes for nutrients, water, and light. Over time, the competition weakens plants, making them susceptible to pests and diseases.
2. Faster Establishment
Plants spaced correctly will grow into each other, filling empty areas more quickly without overcrowding or gaps.
3. Disease Prevention and Air Circulation
Good spacing ensures airflow between plants, reducing moisture-related fungal diseases and pest infestations.
4. Maintenance Efficiency
Proper spacing reduces the need for constant pruning, thinning, or replanting later to correct errors.
In sum, the right spacing maximizes ground covers’ functional and ornamental benefits.
Factors Affecting Ground Cover Spacing
There is no universal spacing rule for all ground covers because plant species, climate, soil, and garden conditions vary widely. Here are the factors to consider when deciding spacing:
1. Growth Habit and Size
- Spreading Ground Covers: Plants like creeping thyme and ajuga spread by runners or stolons, eventually covering large areas.
- Clumping Ground Covers: Plants such as certain ferns or sedges grow in tight tufts and expand slowly.
Spacing depends on the final mature size. For spreading ground covers, allow enough room for runners to fill gaps naturally. For clumpers, plant closer for a denser effect.
2. Growth Rate
Fast-growing ground covers can be spaced wider apart because they fill in quickly. Slow growers require tighter spacing to avoid visible gaps during establishment.
3. Purpose of Planting
- Dense Weed Suppression: Use tighter spacing to create a thick mat quickly.
- Ornamental with Mixed Plants: Space more generously to allow contrast and proper display.
4. Climate and Soil Fertility
In nutrient-rich soil with optimal moisture, plants may grow larger and require more spacing. In harsh environments, tighter spacing can encourage mutual protection from wind or sun.
5. Maintenance Practices
Some gardeners prefer tighter spacing and periodic thinning. Others choose wider spacing for easier access to soil and plants.
Common Spacing Guidelines for Popular Ground Covers
Here’s a general spacing guide for some common ground covers:
| Ground Cover Plant | Mature Spread (inches) | Recommended Spacing (inches) |
|---|---|---|
| Creeping Thyme | 12-18 | 8-12 |
| Ajuga (Bugleweed) | 12-18 | 10-12 |
| Pachysandra | 12-15 | 12-15 |
| Vinca Minor (Periwinkle) | 18-24 | 15-18 |
| Sedum (Stonecrop) | 6-12 | 6-10 |
| Irish Moss | 4-6 | 4-6 |
| Creeping Jenny | 12-24 | 12-18 |
| Mondo Grass | 6-10 | 6-8 |
| Sweet Woodruff | 10-15 | 10-12 |
Remember this is a general guide. Always check seed packets, nursery tags, or extension service recommendations for specific cultivars.
How to Calculate Ground Cover Spacing
For landscapers or serious gardeners working on larger areas, spacing calculations help estimate how many plants are needed.
Step 1: Measure the Area
- Calculate the square footage of the area to be planted (length x width).
Step 2: Determine Spacing Distance (in feet)
- Convert recommended spacing in inches to feet (e.g., 12 inches = 1 foot).
Step 3: Calculate Plants per Square Foot
- Area each plant needs = (spacing distance)².
- Plants per square foot = 1 ÷ (spacing distance)²
Example:
For 12-inch (1-foot) spacing:
Area per plant = 1 ft x 1 ft = 1 sq ft
Plants per sq ft = 1 / 1 = 1 plant per sq ft
If your bed is 100 sq ft, you’d need approximately 100 plants.
Step 4: Adjust for Overlap
If you want a denser ground cover, increase the number of plants by 10-20% to account for gaps and mortality.
Step-by-Step Guide to Properly Spacing Ground Covers
Step 1: Choose Suitable Ground Covers for Your Site
Identify your site conditions: sunlight, soil type, moisture levels, and choose plants suited for these conditions.
Step 2: Prepare the Soil
Remove weeds, improve soil fertility, and loosen soil for planting.
Step 3: Lay Out the Plants
Before planting, place the pots or plugs on the soil surface in the desired pattern based on your spacing plan. This visual helps confirm even distribution and identifies adjustments needed.
Step 4: Dig Holes or Trench
Prepare holes or a shallow trench spaced according to the recommended distance.
Step 5: Plant and Water
Place plants at soil level, fill holes firmly, and water well to settle the soil.
Step 6: Mulch
Apply organic mulch to suppress weeds and keep moisture.
Step 7: Monitor and Fill Gaps
Over time, check for gaps or poorly growing plants and fill or replace as needed.
Tips and Tricks for Ground Cover Spacing Success
1. Use a Grid or Template
Make a planting grid on paper or rope out straight lines in the bed to maintain consistent spacing.
2. Consider Mixed Species Planting
Mixing complementary ground covers with varying colors and textures can add interest. Adjust spacing to accommodate different mature sizes.
3. Account for Growth Patterns
Allow extra space if planting vigorous runners next to slower growers.
4. Water Consistently During Establishment
Proper watering helps plants fill the space quickly.
5. Fertilize Cautiously
Avoid over-fertilizing, which may promote excessive leaf growth at the expense of root development.
6. Prune and Thin When Needed
If ground covers become crowded, thin or prune to improve air circulation.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcrowding: Leads to weak, disease-prone plants.
- Too Wide Spacing: Results in weed invasion and patchy coverage.
- Ignoring Plant Growth Habits: Disregarding runners or clumping tendencies.
- Not Considering Mature Size: Planting too close or too far.
- Skipping Soil Preparation: Poor soil can stunt growth regardless of spacing.
Ground Cover Spacing for Specific Landscaping Needs
For Slopes and Erosion Control
Use faster spreading ground covers with tighter spacing to quickly stabilize soil.
For Under Trees
Choose shade-tolerant low-growing ground covers and allow wider spacing to reduce competition.
For Walkways and Borders
Spacing can be slightly tighter for a neat, uniform look but still allow air flow.
FAQs About Ground Cover Spacing
How long does it take for ground covers to fill in?
It depends on species and conditions but typically anywhere from one to three growing seasons.
Can I plant ground covers too close?
Yes, this may cause stunted growth and diseases.
How do I fix overcrowding?
Thin by removing some plants, transplanting, or pruning runners.
Conclusion
Proper ground cover spacing is a fundamental step in successful garden and landscape design. It directly affects plant health, garden aesthetics, maintenance needs, and the long-term functionality of your planting area. By understanding your plants’ mature size, growth habits, environmental conditions, and purpose, you can plan and plant ground covers with ideal spacing that lets your garden thrive beautifully.
Start planning your ground cover layout today and enjoy a lush, green carpet that enhances your outdoor space for years to come!