How to Grow Grass Groundcovers

Grass Groundcovers

Various species (e.g., Zoysia spp., Festuca spp., Poa spp.)

grass

Grass groundcovers are low-growing, spreading grass species used to stabilize soil, prevent erosion, and create living carpets in landscapes. They vary widely in texture, color, and growing requirements depending on the species chosen. These hardy plants are ideal for areas where traditional turf grass may be difficult to establish or maintain.

Looking for a specific variety?

Creeping Red Fescue Chewings Fescue Zoysia japonica Bahiagrass Bentgrass Mondo Grass

When should you plant Grass Groundcovers in your zone?

Get a personalized planting timeline — when to start seeds, transplant, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Free to start.

Get my Grass Groundcovers timeline →

Example Grass Groundcovers timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

Plant Grass Groundcovers
Around Apr 17

Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
Tend & protect
Late spring–summer

Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
Harvest Grass Groundcovers
Late summer into fall

Before the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Grass Groundcovers dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

☀️

Sun: Full sun to partial shade depending on species; most groundcover grasses prefer 4-6 hours of direct sunlight daily

💧

Water: Moderate watering during establishment (4-6 weeks); once established, most grass groundcovers are drought-tolerant and require minimal supplemental watering except during extended dry periods

📏

Spacing: 6-12 inches apart for plugs or divisions; broadcast seeding at recommended rates per species inches

📅

Days to maturity: 30-90 days for seedlings to establish; full coverage typically 6-12 months

🌱

Planting depth: Seed: 0.25-0.5 inches deep; plugs/divisions: plant at soil line with crown at grade

Soil

Type: Well-draining loamy to sandy soil; tolerant of poor soils

pH: 5.5-7.5 depending on species

Amendments:

Compost or aged manure for poor soils Sand for heavy clay soils Peat moss for acid-loving species

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Zones 2-10 depending on species; cool-season grasses (fescue, bluegrass) thrive in zones 3-7; warm-season grasses (zoysia, bahiagrass) thrive in zones 5-10

2a 2b 3a 3b 4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b 9a 9b 10a 10b

Get my Grass Groundcovers timeline →

Growth Stages

Germination & Seedling

2-3 weeks

Seeds sprout and develop first leaf blades; seedlings are fragile and thin

Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; protect from foot traffic; provide dappled shade if in hot climates; avoid fertilizing until 4-6 weeks old

Establishment & Root Development

4-8 weeks

Young plants develop deeper root systems and begin to spread via rhizomes or stolons; leaf blade density increases gradually

Water regularly but reduce frequency as roots establish; mow to 2-3 inches height if needed to encourage lateral growth; light fertilizing is beneficial

Vegetative Growth & Spread

2-6 months

Plant spreads aggressively via rhizomes or stolons, filling in gaps and creating dense coverage; new shoots emerge from lateral growth points

Maintain consistent moisture during dry spells; mow or edge monthly to control spread and maintain shape; prevent competing weeds by mulching bare areas nearby

Mature Ground Cover

Ongoing; perennial

Fully established, dense, low-growing mat that suppresses weeds and stabilizes soil; may produce inconspicuous flower heads in season

Minimal maintenance; mow or shear 1-2 times per season depending on appearance preference; avoid heavy foot traffic on shade-grown varieties; fertilize annually in spring if desired

Seasonal Dormancy (cool-season varieties)

3-4 months (winter)

In winter, cool-season grasses turn brown or straw-colored and growth slows dramatically; warm-season varieties dormant in winter

Reduce watering; no fertilizer; allow dormant cover to protect soil; remove accumulated debris; prepare for spring green-up by light raking in early spring

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Clover Native wildflowers Sedges Hostas Ferns Creeping thyme Groundcover junipers

Avoid planting near:

Aggressive spreading plants like bamboo or morning glory Heavy root-competition trees Salt-sensitive plants in areas with salt spray Shade-sensitive plants in areas designated for dense groundcover

Common Pests

Monitor for striped caterpillars; apply neem oil or spinosad in early morning; encourage natural predators; maintain healthy grass vigor
Apply beneficial nematodes in spring and fall; use milky spore for long-term control; maintain soil moisture to detect damage early; remove thatch
Inspect grass blades for small red or black insects; use insecticidal soap or neem oil; increase irrigation to reduce stress; remove thatch buildup
Look for shallow tunnels and mounds; apply beneficial nematodes; drench soil with insecticidal soap; maintain appropriate soil moisture
and
Improve air circulation through light raking; avoid overhead watering; remove infected tissue; apply fungicide only if severe; promote healthy growth with balanced fertilizer

Uses

🏠

Erosion Control & Slope Stabilization

Household

Grass groundcovers bind soil with fibrous root systems, preventing erosion on hillsides, embankments, and vulnerable areas. Their dense growth reduces water runoff and protects topsoil. [source]

🏠

Low-Maintenance Alternative to Turf

Household

Groundcover grasses require minimal mowing, fertilizing, and irrigation compared to traditional lawns, reducing maintenance labor and water consumption while providing green coverage. [source]

🦋

Habitat for Pollinators & Small Fauna

Wildlife

Dense grass groundcovers provide shelter and nesting areas for beneficial insects, birds, and small mammals, supporting local biodiversity and ecological function. [source]

🏠

Weed Suppression

Household

Thick, competitive groundcover prevents weed seeds from germinating and establishes by blocking sunlight and competing for water and nutrients, reducing reliance on herbicides. [source]

🎨

Ornamental Landscaping

Craft

Decorative grass groundcovers add texture, color variety (blues, reds, fine vs. coarse texture), and visual interest to gardens, creating attractive living carpets under trees or in mixed borders. [source]

Harvest Tips

Grass groundcovers are not harvested for food. For maintenance, mow or shear when growth becomes unruly (typically monthly to 2-3 inches height). Collect clippings for composting if desired. Divide and transplant mature groundcover every 2-3 years to rejuvenate or expand coverage to new areas.

Fun Facts

🌱 Some grass groundcovers like mondo grass (Ophiopogon) are not true grasses but grass-like sedges, yet perform the same ecological and aesthetic functions in the landscape.
🌱 Zoysia grass is so named after the Zoysia Peninsula in Korea, where it was first scientifically identified; it is now widely used in warm-season climates for its exceptional durability and disease resistance.
🌱 Fescue groundcovers can survive in surprisingly poor, compacted soils where other plants fail because their fine, fibrous roots can penetrate dense soil and extract moisture efficiently.

Gardening Terms

New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:

Annual Compost Full Sun Mulch Partial Shade Transplant

Shop Grass Groundcovers plants and related plants at Plant Addicts →

Join 30,000 gardeners planning their gardens with LizPlants.

Get your personalized Grass Groundcovers planting timeline

Tell us your zip code and we'll calculate exactly when to start Grass Groundcovers seeds, transplant seedlings, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Includes calendar reminders and printable task lists. Free to start.

Get my Grass Groundcovers timeline →