Can You Plant Ground Cover in the Summer?

Yes, you can plant ground cover in the summer, but it takes a little extra care to help your plants survive the heat. The key is to choose heat‑tolerant varieties, prepare the soil well, and keep them watered consistently until they get established. With the right timing and a few simple steps, your garden can have a lush, weed‑free carpet even in hot weather.

Is Summer a Good Time to Plant Ground Cover?

Summer is often the toughest season for new plants because of intense sun, high temperatures, and fast‑drying soil. But if you live in a region with mild summers or if you can provide extra water, summer planting can work. Many ground covers grow quickly in warm soil, and planting in summer gives them a head start before fall arrives. Just be prepared to water more often than you would in spring or fall. For most gardeners, early summer (before the peak of July heat) is the safest window. Avoid planting during a heatwave or drought unless you can water daily.

What Types of Ground Cover Can Withstand Summer Heat?

Some ground covers are naturally tougher than others. Look for these heat‑tolerant choices:

• Creeping thyme – loves sun and dry conditions, and it smells great when you step on it.
• Ice plant – a succulent that handles drought and blazing sun with colorful flowers.
• Liriope (monkey grass) – a grass‑like plant that grows in sun or light shade and takes heat well.
• Sedum (stonecrop) – another succulent that thrives in hot, dry spots.
• Junipers – low‑growing evergreens that handle poor soil and hot sun once established.
• Woolly yarrow – soft, silvery leaves that reflect heat and resist drought.

If you’re planting in a partly shaded area, try ajuga (bugleweed) or pachysandra – they don’t like full desert sun but can handle warm summer afternoons with some shade.

How Do You Prepare Your Soil for Summer Planting?

Good soil prep is even more important in summer because the ground dries out faster. Start by clearing the area of weeds, rocks, and old roots. Loosen the soil to about 6 inches deep with a shovel or garden fork. Mix in 2 to 3 inches of organic matter, like compost or well‑aged manure. This helps the soil hold moisture and gives roots something to grab. If your soil is heavy clay, adding coarse sand or a soil‑amendment product can improve drainage. A soil moisture meter is a handy tool to check if your soil is moist enough before you plant – it takes the guesswork out of watering.

How Often Should You Water Newly Planted Ground Cover in Summer?

Watering is the top priority when planting in summer. New plants have small root systems and can dry out within hours on a hot day. Here’s a simple schedule:

• First two weeks: Water every day (or even twice a day if temperatures are above 90°F). Focus on soaking the root zone, not just the leaves.
• Weeks three and four: Water every other day, giving the soil a deep soak so roots reach downward.
• After one month: Gradually stretch to watering twice a week, then once a week as the plants become established.

The goal is to keep the soil consistently moist (like a wrung‑out sponge) but not waterlogged. Using a drip irrigation kit can make watering easier – it puts water right at the roots and reduces evaporation.

Should You Use Mulch When Planting Ground Cover in Summer?

Yes, absolutely. Mulch is your best friend for summer planting. A 2‑ to 3‑inch layer of organic mulch (like shredded bark, wood chips, or straw) keeps the soil cool, slows evaporation, and stops weeds from competing with your new plants. Avoid piling mulch directly against the stems; leave a small gap around each plant to prevent rot. If you use a lighter‑colored mulch, like pine straw or light wood chips, it will reflect some sunlight and keep the root zone even cooler. You can also use landscape fabric under the mulch for extra weed control, but make sure the fabric allows water to soak through. A bale of shredded hardwood mulch is a common choice that breaks down slowly and feeds the soil.

What Are the Best Practices for Planting Ground Cover in Hot Weather?

Follow these steps for the best success in summer:

1. Plant in the evening or early morning – cooler temperatures reduce transplant shock.
2. Space plants according to their mature size – giving them room helps air circulate and prevents fungal problems.
3. Water the hole before you put the plant in – this ensures roots find moisture right away.
4. Press the soil gently around each plant to remove air pockets, then water again.
5. Use a starter fertilizer that is low in nitrogen but high in phosphorus (look for a 5‑10‑5 ratio) to encourage strong root growth. Avoid high‑nitrogen fertilizers that push leafy growth before roots are ready.
6. Provide temporary shade for the first few days with a shade cloth or an upside‑down pot during the hottest afternoon hours.

One of the most practical tools for summer gardening is a garden shade cloth – you can drape it over a simple frame to cut the sun’s intensity by 30 to 50 percent while plants adjust.

How Can You Protect New Plants from Extreme Sun and Heat?

Besides watering and mulching, here are several techniques to keep your ground cover from frying:

• Use reflective mulch – a white or silver plastic sheet laid around plants bounces heat away.
• Set up a windbreak – a row of small stakes with a fabric barrier reduces drying wind that sucks moisture from leaves.
• Cluster plants closely – planting slightly denser than recommended creates a living mulch that shades the soil.
• Check soil moisture twice a day – simply stick your finger two inches into the soil; if it feels dry, it’s time to water.
• Delay planting if a heatwave is coming – wait a few days until temperatures drop below 85°F if possible.

Once the plants have been in the ground for about six weeks and start sending out runners, you can relax a little. They’ll become more tolerant of hot, dry spells on their own.

Quick Summer‑Planting Checklist for Ground Cover

What If I Already Planted and the Heat Hits?

Even if you followed all the steps, a sudden heatwave can stress new ground cover. If you see wilting leaves (especially in the late afternoon), don’t panic. Give the plants a deep drink of cool water early the next morning. If the soil is still damp, the wilting might be from heat stress alone – just provide shade during the hottest part of the day. Avoid fertilizing during a heatwave, because that can make the problem worse. Once temperatures ease, your ground cover should bounce back in a day or two.

Can You Plant Ground Cover in Late Summer?

Late summer (August to early September) is actually a great time to plant in many climates. The soil is already warm, which encourages fast root growth, but the hottest days are usually behind you. Plus, fall rains often return to take over the watering job after a few weeks. If you plant in late summer, follow the same watering and mulching tips, but you can reduce the watering schedule a bit sooner. Many gardeners find that plants put in during late summer catch up quickly and look great the following spring.

Whether you choose early summer or late summer, planting ground cover in hot weather is absolutely possible. The secret is simple: choose the right plants, prepare the soil, water smartly, and protect the roots with mulch. With these steps, your ground cover will thrive even when the temperature rises.

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