![]() Flowering groundcovers will also attract pollinating insects, ensuring a bountiful veggie garden.Ĭlassic examples of flowering groundcovers for sun are snow-in-summer, creeping phlox, and sedum. Some will even produce brightly colored fruits after the petals have dropped, while others flower all season long. If your objective is to have a hillside or other area bathed in color in spring or summer, you need to choose plants that bloom. You may want to consider weed barrier fabric to prevent weeds as individual plants grow together and drip irrigation. Next, do you want flower, fruit, or other attributes? Finally, how much maintenance do you want to do? Some creeping plants in full sun can get out of hand and will require trimming or even mowing to keep them in check.Īlso, determine whether you need deer and rabbit resistant plants. You should also consider the type of soil, pH, drainage, irrigation, and other site conditions. Prior to installing plants, determine which are hardy in your zone. ![]() Any full sun groundcover needs to be tolerant of periods of dryness and thrive in blistering summer heat. Groundcover plants for sunny locations can also help cool soil. ![]() They fill in empty spaces which reduces weeds, cover soil to keep moisture in, pretty up blank spaces, and more. Groundcovers perform a variety of functions. Creeping plants in full sun will fill even large areas and many can be stepped on, making them excellent options to replace grass. Alternative groundcover in the sun can conserve moisture and reduce the need for chemical applications. Dead parts can be carefully cut back and healthy outer parts of the plant can be replanted.Grass is a great groundcover but requires a lot of nitrogen and water, especially in full sun. After several years the center of plants will become woody and start to die back. Creeping Thyme will grow between 2-3 inches high and each established plant can spread to approximately 1 foot wide. How to Care for Creeping ThymeĬreeping Thyme will not thrive in excessively clay or sandy soils. A light dose of delayed release fertilizer can be useful if you are planting in poorer soil, but good soil preparation (mixing in a 2-3 inch layer of manure, compost or other organic material prior to planting) should negate the need for fertilizer. A light mulching may be helpful to retain moisture in warmer and drier climates, but if seeds are planted in between pavers or in shadier areas mulching is usually not necessary. Once seeds are germinating well, water to a depth of 6 inches when the top few inches of soil dries out. Good seed to soil contact is necessary for ideal germination rates. When planting, seeds should not be covered with soil, but rather pressed into the soil. Average germination time should be approximately 21-28 days and seeds should be kept consistently moist until germination is strong. Fall plantings should be avoided to protect against freeze damage. ![]() Division of established plantings can be done in March and April. Learn more about germination light requirements here.ĭirect Sow seeds outdoors when temperatures are consistently in the high 60s or above. How to Plant Creeping Thyme SeedsĬreeping Thyme seeds require light to germinate, so be careful not to cover them when planting. Creeping thyme is a slow grower and will take more than one season to reach its full potential. Where to Plant Creeping Thyme SeedsĬreeping Thyme prefers well drained soil with a neutral pH (between 6.5 and 7.5) in an area where it receives good sun, but can also tolerate partial shade. Seeds can also be started indoors 8-10 weeks before your average last frost date. Direct sow seeds outdoors in late spring when temperatures are consistently in the high 60's or above. When to Plant Creeping Thyme SeedsĬreeping Thyme is a perennial herb which will over-winter well in zones 4-9. Creeping Thyme is not generally susceptible to disease or insects but can provide a barrier for veggies and ornamental plantings. Used often as borders on flower beds and in between pavers on walkways, this is a groundcover that can handle moderate foot traffic. Creeping Thyme is a popular and adaptive dwarf ground cover that is popular for landscape designs.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |