Ground Covers, Landscape - Horticulture - Lecture Slides, Slides of Botany and Agronomy

Download Ground Covers, Landscape - Horticulture - Lecture Slides and more Slides Botany and Agronomy in PDF only on Docsity! Ground Covers Docsity.com Definition • Ground covers are low-growing plants that cover the ground in place of turf. – Serve 3 purposes: • Fill in bare spots in the landscape. • Help prevent erosion of soil on steep banks. • Fill in shady areas under trees where other plants have difficulty growing. Docsity.com Selection • Ask the following questions before selecting a ground cover: – In what type of soil does the plant grow best? – Is it suitable for the locality? – How is it propagated? – How long will it take for the plants to cover the area in which they are planted? Docsity.com Selection continued • Ask the following questions before selecting a ground cover: – What is the mature height of the plant? – Are diseases and insects a problem? – How expensive are the plants? Docsity.com Selection • Ground covers should be selected for the following reasons: – They are adapted to the soil in which they are to be planted. – They are adapted to the local hardiness zone. – They are relatively free of diseases and insect problems. Docsity.com Planting continued • Steep slopes: – Need to be covered more quickly so plants must be placed closer together – Higher initial plant cost • Level areas: – Plants can be spread out – Reduces initial planting cost – Takes longer for the ground cover to completely cover the soil surface Docsity.com Fertilizing • After initial application at planting time, fertilizer should only be applied to keep plants healthy. • If necessary, apply fertilizer in early spring. • Two application methods: – Dry granular fertilizer scattered over area and watered in – Soluble form mixed with water siphoned through watering/sprinkling system Docsity.com Mulching • Cover entire surface with the material prior to planting – Less time consuming than mulching after plants are in place • Continue to mulch until the ground cover has traveled over the entire soil surface – Aids in weed control – Aids in moisture retention Docsity.com Watering • Newly planted ground covers should be watered as needed during the first year. • Apply at least 1 inch of water if plants start to wilt or if soil becomes dry. • If the proper ground covers are selected, watering should not be necessary after the first year. Docsity.com Controlling Insects and Diseases • Rarely a serious problem in ground covers. • If control become necessary, identify the disease or insect. • Spray with recommended pesticide. • Safety First! Be sure to wear protective clothing. Docsity.com Common Ground Covers • Bugleweed • Rock-cress • Wild ginger • Sweet woodruff • Chrysogomum • Lily-of-the-valley • Bunchberry • Crown vetch • Maiden pink • Sunrose • Barrenwort • Plantain lily • Aaronsbeard, St. Johnswort • Lamiastrum • Evergreen candytuft • Spreading English yew • Creeping mahonia Docsity.com