Best Ground Cover Plants for Lawn: Peanut Plant and Carabao Grass

The lawn is commonly found in the front part of the house. Most homeowners take pride in having immaculately green grass on their lawns. A small fortune is invested on fancy sprinklers and lawn mowers for proper maintenance of the lawn. Lately, most lawns are being sacrificed due to shortage of funds. Lawn grasses are left to grow tall and unruly because mowing is not a weekly routine anymore. Or the grasses die because water is being conserved, too.

1. Vines
2. Herbs
3. Shrubs
4. Mosses

Vines are woody plants with thin and wide-spread stems. Examples: Common Ivy, Kudzu, Bougainvillea, and Morning Glory.

Herbaceous plants typically die at the end of growing season or after they had flowered and bore fruit; then they will grow again from seeds. Examples: Peony, Mint, Ferns, and Grasses.

Shrubs are also woody plants with multiple stems and small height. Examples: Lavender, Periwinkle, Common Juniper, and Mountain Pine.

Mosses are small and soft plants that do not have flowers or seeds but reproduce through spores. Simple-structured leaves cover wiry-thin stems.Examples: Red moss capsules, Wall screw moss, and Dawsonia superba (which is considered as the tallest land moss).

The Carabao grass is sturdy against drought and flood. It does not need much attention. No pesticides and fertilizers are used to grow this hardy variety of grass. Since it tends to grow close to the ground, the Carabao grass does not need to be mowed.

Because it is easy to grow, the Carabao grass is the best ground cover plant. You can grow it by seeding directly into the soil or by transplanting. Most plant stores and nurseries sell Carabao grass by small square pieces. You have to water the newly planted grass everyday on the first week to let the young roots grow into the soil. Of course, you must level the surface of the ground first if you're planting on new lawns.

The Buffalo grass is another type of sturdy ground cover plant for the lawn. It is also highly resistant to drought. However, this variety tend to grow robustly so you may have to mow the overgrowth to the desired length. Aside from transplanting, you may also grow the Buffalo grass through direct seeding method.

This ground cover plant got its name 'peanut' from its flowers that are shaped like peanuts. Because this is categorized as an ornamental grass, the Peanut Plant is often used as accents along the lawn's front and sides of pathwalks. This plant is also sturdy.

The Peanut Plant is also a no-fuss type of ground cover. Just buy several seedling plants in small black bags from the nursery or plant stores. Like other plants, the ideal time to transplant the Peanut plant seedlings into the soil is during the late afternoon. The young plants will be given time to adjust in their new environment during the night.

To further lessen the stress during transplanting, remove only the bottom of the black bag so the soil around the seedling will not be dislodged. This way, less roots will be cut during the process. Gently pack the lawn soil around the small plants. Since the Peanut plant grows horizontally rather than vertically, place an allowance of 6 to 12 inches between each plant. This will give the runners more room to spread on.

Watering is given in small amounts in the early mornings and late afternoons on the first few days. If you're using garden soil for the lawn, you don't have to fertilize the plants. But a sprinkle of organic fertilizer every now and then will help them grow strong and healthy. No need to use herbicide, too. Over-all maintenance care is very simple and easy. Just pull out the weeds that will sprout along with the Peanut plants.

All plants need proper drainage system to protect the roots. Too much water causes the roots to rot and the plants to die.

During cultivation of soil or while laying on garden soil, make sure that the edges are in much lower elevation. Excess water must flow freely away from the plants after enough moisture was absorbed by the soil.

When proper sloping is observed in the planning stage of the garden, the actual maintenance of the plants would not be too much demanding.

When a new home has an empty lawn, the sight of the raw earth with a smattering of rocks and concrete bits could be intimidating. Do not lose heart. A garden takes time to develop so careful planning is a must.

Design a garden with long-term enjoyment in mind. The lack of trees in the vicinity should not be despairing. Shaded areas can be created by simply giving crawling plants freedom to grow all over a light structure made of welded steel for support and sturdy screen as roof.

To stop feeling overwhelmed with so much empty space in the outdoor part of the home, build a fence around it. A low concrete wall or tall wooden fence will look better when paint is applied. Several coats of paint also provide protection.

Look for small trees in plant nurseries. Overgrown seedlings have better chance of survival when transplanted. Fruit trees are good choices because they will provide fresh fruits after a few years.

A wide grassy space is the quickest way to make a green lawn. A simple trick is to create a gently sloping surface of packed garden soil. Place concrete hollow blocks around the edges to help prevent soil erosion. Plant small shrubs to give additional support to both the blocks and the earth.

A Japanese-style garden requires a bit of time and effort. This design is appropriate to build on naturally sloping area.

Carving the land into a series of steps will inspire the gardener to put together a variety of colorful and flowering plants, along with the choice of grass or ground cover plants.