Preparing your garden this autumn? Planting ground-cover plants now can drastically reduce weeding chores next spring by forming dense mats that block weeds and enrich your outdoor space.
- Ground covers help block weeds naturally.
- Six hardy plants thrive in various garden conditions.
- Planting now boosts growth and weed suppression by spring.
What happened
As the gardening season shifts towards autumn, experts recommend planting specific ground-cover plants to reduce weed growth in the coming spring. These plants form thick, living carpets that cover bare soil, making it difficult for weeds to establish themselves without the need for pesticides.
British Garden Centres highlights six standout ground-cover plants ideal for planting now: bergenia (elephant’s ear), geranium macrorrhizum, ajuga reptans, vinca minor, creeping thyme, and stachys byzantina (lamb’s ear). Each species has unique qualities suited to different garden spots, from sunny borders to shaded banks.
Why it feels good
Using ground-cover plants instead of chemical weed control offers a gentle, eco-friendly way to care for your garden while encouraging biodiversity. These hardy plants not only suppress weeds by crowding them out but also bring visually appealing textures and seasonal colors.
For instance, bergenia provides bold evergreen leaves with vibrant flowers from late winter into early spring, while geranium macrorrhizum offers a soft floral charm that shifts through seasons from delicate pink to rich autumn tones. The fragrant creeping thyme adds sensory delight and visual interest, creating a comforting garden environment.
What to enjoy or watch next
After planting this autumn, watch as these ground covers establish themselves, forming thick mats that will thrive through winter and bloom beautifully in spring. Pay attention to the planting conditions—some, like ajuga reptans and vinca minor, excel in dry shade and tricky soil, while lamb’s ear prefers sunny spots.
Next spring, enjoy a garden with significantly fewer weeds and pleasant seasonal blooms. For garden inspiration and seasonal tips, follow House Beautiful on social media platforms like Instagram and Pinterest where they regularly share ideas to maintain a vibrant and healthy garden.