Most ground cover plants pests insects concerns turn out to be smaller issues than you might fear. These plants attract few serious pests that harm your garden. The dense growth can shelter some critters but damage stays low most of the time.
I dealt with slugs in my Hosta and ground cover beds for two wet springs in a row. The dense foliage kept soil moist which the slugs loved too much. I set out beer traps and iron phosphate bait around the worst spots. Within a few weeks the chewing damage dropped to almost nothing.
Dense ground cover creates little pockets of moist air near the soil surface. This microclimate draws in slugs, snails, and sometimes voles looking for shelter. Ground cover pest problems from these critters show up most during rainy seasons when everything stays wet.
The good news is that most insects in ground cover help your garden rather than hurt it. Beetles and spiders hunt pest insects among the leaves. Bees and flies visit ground cover flowers for food. This web of life keeps bad bugs in check without you lifting a finger.
Native ground covers offer bonus wildlife benefits too. Wild Ginger serves as a host plant for pipevine swallowtail caterpillars. The butterflies lay eggs on the leaves and the young feed there. Planting natives turns your ground cover into a habitat.
Proper spacing gives you the best defense against pest buildup. Plants set too close trap humid air that pests love. Space your starts about six to eight inches apart to allow air to move through. This simple step keeps foliage drier and makes life harder for slugs and fungal diseases.
Check your ground cover beds every week or two during growing season. Look for chewed leaves, slime trails, and holes in the foliage. Catching problems early keeps them small and easy to fix. Waiting too long lets pest numbers build up to levels that take real work to knock down.
Organic controls work well when pests do show up in your beds. Iron phosphate baits kill slugs without harming pets or wildlife. Diatomaceous earth creates a barrier that soft-bodied pests won't cross. Encouraging birds and toads to visit your garden adds free pest control that works around the clock.
Most gardeners find that ground cover pests stay minor with basic care. Keep your plants healthy and they resist damage better. Space them right to improve airflow through the bed. Check often and act fast when you spot problems. Your ground cover will thrive with far less pest trouble than you might expect.
Read the full article: 10 Top Ground Cover Shade Plants
