Transplanting ground cover involves spacing plants properly to ensure quick coverage. If you are looking for a way to fill bare spots or move plants to a better location, knowing how to transplant ground cover can save you time and money. This guide walks you through each step, from preparation to aftercare, so your garden stays lush and even.
Ground covers like creeping thyme, ivy, or vinca are tough plants. They spread fast and choke out weeds. But moving them requires a bit of care. You want the roots to settle in without stress. Let us get into the details.
Why Transplant Ground Cover?
You might need to move ground cover for several reasons. Maybe the area is too crowded. Or you want to fill a bare patch elsewhere. Sometimes, the original spot gets too much shade or sun. Transplanting gives you control over your garden layout.
Another reason is to save money. Instead of buying new plants, you can divide existing ones. This works great for spreading varieties like ajuga or sedum. You get more plants for free.
When Is The Best Time To Transplant?
Timing matters a lot. The best window is early spring or early fall. Cool weather and moist soil help roots grow fast. Avoid hot summer days. The heat stresses plants and dries them out quickly.
If you must transplant in summer, do it in the evening. Water deeply right after. Keep the soil moist for the next two weeks. This gives the plants a fighting chance.
Tools And Materials You Need
Before you start, gather these items:
- Sharp spade or garden trowel
- Garden fork (for loosening soil)
- Water hose or watering can
- Compost or organic matter
- Mulch (bark chips or straw)
- Gloves (optional but helpful)
Having everything ready makes the job smoother. You wont have to stop mid-way to find a tool.
How To Transplant Ground Cover: Step-By-Step
Now we get to the core of the process. Follow these steps carefully. Each one builds on the last.
Step 1: Prepare The New Site
Clear the area where you want to plant. Remove weeds, rocks, and old roots. Loosen the soil to about 6 inches deep. Mix in a 2-inch layer of compost. This adds nutrients and improves drainage.
Water the new site lightly. It should be moist but not soggy. This helps the roots make contact with the soil right away.
Step 2: Water The Existing Plants
Water the ground cover you plan to move. Do this a few hours before digging. Moist soil holds together better. It also reduces root shock. Dry soil crumbles and damages fine roots.
Give the plants a good soak. Let the water penetrate deep. This makes lifting them easier.
Step 3: Dig Up The Plants
Use your spade or trowel. Start a few inches away from the plant base. Dig in a circle around the root ball. For spreading ground cover, you can lift a whole section. Cut through runners or stolons with the spade.
Lift the plant gently. Shake off excess soil. You want to see the roots. If the roots are tangled, you can divide them. Pull apart sections with your hands or cut with a knife.
Step 4: Transplant Immediately
Do not let the roots dry out. Move the plants to the new site right away. Dig a hole slightly larger than the root ball. Place the plant at the same depth it was growing before. Backfill with soil and press down firmly.
Space the plants according to their growth habit. For quick coverage, space them 6 to 12 inches apart. For slower spreaders, leave 18 inches. Check the tag or research the specific variety.
Step 5: Water Thoroughly
After planting, water deeply. This settles the soil and removes air pockets. Use a gentle stream to avoid washing away soil. Water again if the soil feels dry an inch down.
Keep the soil consistently moist for the first two weeks. After that, you can reduce watering. But do not let it dry out completely during the first month.
Step 6: Apply Mulch
Spread a 2-inch layer of mulch around the plants. Keep it away from the stems. Mulch retains moisture, suppresses weeds, and regulates soil temperature. It also gives the bed a tidy look.
Use organic mulch like shredded bark or straw. It breaks down and adds nutrients over time.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
Even experienced gardeners make errors. Here are pitfalls to watch for:
- Planting too deep: This suffocates roots. Keep the crown at soil level.
- Overcrowding: Too many plants compete for water and light. Follow spacing guides.
- Skipping water: New transplants need consistent moisture. Dont forget them.
- Transplanting in full sun: Do it on a cloudy day or in the evening.
Avoid these and your ground cover will thrive.
How To Transplant Ground Cover: Special Cases
Different ground covers have unique needs. Here are tips for common types.
Creeping Thyme
This herb loves full sun and well-drained soil. When transplanting, handle the stems gently. They break easily. Space plants 12 inches apart. Water sparingly after they establish. Thyme hates wet feet.
English Ivy
Ivy is vigorous. It can become invasive in some areas. When transplanting, cut the runners into sections with roots. Plant them 6 to 8 inches apart. Keep the soil moist. Ivy grows fast once settled.
Vinca Minor (Periwinkle)
Vinca spreads by runners. Dig up a clump and divide it. Each piece should have roots and a few leaves. Plant them 12 inches apart. They tolerate shade well. Water regularly until new growth appears.
Ajuga (Bugleweed)
Ajuga forms dense mats. Lift a section with a spade. Pull apart the rosettes. Plant them 8 to 10 inches apart. They prefer partial shade. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
Sedum (Stonecrop)
Sedum is drought-tolerant. When transplanting, you can break off stems and stick them in soil. They root easily. Space low-growing varieties 6 inches apart. Do not overwater. Sedum rots in wet soil.
Aftercare For Transplanted Ground Cover
Care after transplanting is crucial. Here is what to do for the first few weeks.
Watering Schedule
Water every other day for the first week. Then twice a week for the next three weeks. After that, water once a week if there is no rain. Adjust based on your climate. Sandy soil dries faster than clay.
Fertilizing
Do not fertilize right after transplanting. Wait until you see new growth. Then use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer. Follow the package instructions. Too much nitrogen encourages leaves but weakens roots.
Weeding
Keep the area weed-free. Weeds compete for water and nutrients. Pull them by hand when they are small. Mulch helps reduce weed growth.
Monitoring For Pests
Check the leaves for signs of pests. Aphids, slugs, and snails like tender new growth. Use insecticidal soap or handpick pests. Healthy plants resist most problems.
How To Speed Up Coverage
If you want the ground cover to fill in fast, try these tips:
- Plant closer together: Reduce spacing by half for quicker fill.
- Use rooting hormone: Dip stem cuttings before planting. This speeds root development.
- Keep soil warm: In spring, use black plastic mulch to warm the soil. Remove it after plants emerge.
- Pinch back tips: This encourages branching and denser growth.
These methods work well for aggressive spreaders like ivy or vinca.
When To Expect Results
Patience is key. Most ground covers take one to two growing seasons to fill in fully. Fast growers like creeping Jenny might cover the area in one season. Slower ones like pachysandra may take two years.
Do not worry if the plants look small at first. They are focusing on root growth. Once the roots are established, top growth will follow.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I transplant ground cover in the middle of summer?
It is possible but risky. The heat stresses plants. If you must, transplant in the evening. Water deeply and provide shade for a few days. Expect some wilting. Keep the soil moist.
How deep should I plant ground cover?
Plant at the same depth it was growing before. The crown (where stems meet roots) should be at soil level. Planting too deep causes rot. Too shallow dries out roots.
Do I need to remove old ground cover before transplanting?
Yes, if the area is overcrowded. Remove old plants to make room. You can compost them if they are disease-free. Otherwise, discard them.
How often should I water newly transplanted ground cover?
Water every other day for the first week. Then twice a week for three weeks. After that, once a week. Adjust for rain and soil type.
Can I divide ground cover plants?
Yes. Many ground covers like ajuga, sedum, and vinca divide easily. Lift the clump and pull apart sections. Each piece should have roots and leaves. Replant immediately.
Final Thoughts On Transplanting Ground Cover
Transplanting ground cover is a simple way to expand your garden. With proper spacing, watering, and care, your plants will thrive. Remember to choose the right time, prepare the soil, and water consistently. Avoid common mistakes like planting too deep or overcrowding.
Your garden will look fuller and more uniform. Plus, you save money by reusing plants. So grab your spade and get started. Your ground cover will thank you with lush, green growth.
If you follow these steps, you will master how to transplant ground cover in no time. Happy gardening.