Things You'll Need:
- Graph paper
- Pencil
- Organic material
- Fertilizer
- Soil supplement
- Ground cover
- Mulch
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Step 1
Draw a map of the yard, marking the areas where you would like to plant ground cover. Note which areas are shaded and which get full or partial sun. Some ground covers do well in the shade while others require more sunlight.
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Step 2
Visit the local nursery and investigate which ground covers are available and do well in your area. For example, what thrives in Arizona might not grow in Wyoming.
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Step 3
After you find out which ground covers do well in your region, you will want to choose shade-loving ground covers for shaded areas, and sun-loving ground covers for sunny areas.
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Step 4
Grade the area so it has good drainage. The ground should slope gently away from the house, allowing rainwater to flow away from the building and not puddle in the yard. When building the house, it is often the contractor's job to see that the lot is properly graded.
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Step 5
Install an underground sprinkler system after the grading is complete and before preparing the soil. The design of the system will depend on the type of plants you decide to use.
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Step 6
Add organic material, fertilizer and a soil supplement to the ground. Organic material might be peat moss or well-rotted manure. The goal is to get the soil the proper pH level for the particular plants being used. If your soil is fertile and rich, already at an ideal pH level, you might not need to add much. The nursery should be able to assist you in testing your pH level and advising you on the best soil amendments for your circumstance.
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Step 7
Plant the ground cover seedlings in a diamond pattern, where a hole is dug for each point of the diamond and a plant is inserted. In essence, you are planting irregular rows. Depth and spacing will vary by plant.
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Step 8
Mulch the area after planting the ground cover. The type of mulch will depend on the plant. It might be wood chips or finely ground bark. Consult your nursery on what to use.
