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How to Grow Native Ground Covers and Grasses

Native Ground Covers and Grasses

Various species (region-dependent)

grass

Native ground covers and grasses are plants naturally occurring in specific regions that spread horizontally to cover soil, suppress weeds, and reduce erosion. They require minimal maintenance once established and provide habitat for wildlife while supporting local ecosystems. These plants are adapted to regional climate, soil, and water conditions, making them ideal for sustainable landscaping.

When should you plant Native Ground Covers and Grasses in your zone?

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Example Native Ground Covers and Grasses timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

  1. Plant Native Ground Covers and Grasses

    Around Apr 17

    Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.

  2. Tend & protect

    Late spring–summer

    Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.

  3. Harvest Native Ground Covers and Grasses

    Around Apr 18

    ≈ 1 days after planting

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Native Ground Covers and Grasses dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

☀️
Sun: Full sun to partial shade depending on species (typically 4-8 hours minimum)
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Water: Low to moderate once established; frequent watering during first 1-2 growing seasons to establish deep root systems
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Spacing: 6-18 inches depending on species and desired coverage rate inches
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Days to maturity: Variable; most establish in 1-2 seasons, full coverage in 2-3 seasons
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Planting depth: Surface sow or press lightly into soil; seed-to-soil contact critical. Transplants should be at same depth as nursery container

Soil

Type: Well-draining soil matching local conditions; clay, sandy, or loamy depending on native habitat
pH: 5.5-7.5 (region-dependent)
Amendments:
Compost for soil establishment Mulch to retain moisture during establishment Minimal fertilizer needed once established

Growing Zones

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Varies by region; choose species native to your specific zone for best results

1a 1b 2a 2b 3a 3b 4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b 9a 9b 10a 10b

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Growth Stages

1

Germination/Establishment

2-4 weeks

Seeds sprout and initial roots develop; seedlings are delicate and vulnerable

Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Provide afternoon shade in hot climates. Protect from foot traffic and heavy wind.

2

Root Development

4-12 weeks

Plants focus energy on establishing deep root systems rather than above-ground growth

Continue regular watering to encourage deep roots. Reduce watering frequency but water deeply. Begin light weeding to reduce competition.

3

Vegetative Growth

2-6 months

Above-ground shoots expand, spreads increase lateral coverage, foliage thickens

Maintain consistent moisture during drought. Remove weeds competing for resources. No fertilizer needed; native plants adapted to local soil fertility.

4

Maturation/Full Coverage

Ongoing (year 2+)

Dense cover established, weed suppression active, ecosystem functions intact

Reduce watering to match natural rainfall in your region. Seasonal maintenance pruning if needed. Allow flowering for wildlife benefit.

5

Seasonal Dormancy

3-5 months depending on species

Cool-season species slow in summer heat; warm-season species dormant in winter

Allow natural dormancy without watering. Light raking to remove debris if desired. No mowing or disturbance during dormancy.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Native wildflowers Native shrubs Native sedges Native ferns Locally-adapted perennials Native moss species

Avoid planting near:

Invasive non-native species Aggressive lawn grasses (non-native) Competitive ornamentals from other regions

Common Pests

  • and

    Hand-pick in moist conditions; encourage ground beetles; copper barriers around vulnerable young plants

  • Allow natural predators; light hand-picking; rarely needs treatment in mature plantings

  • Encourage parasitic wasps; increase soil moisture; severe infestations rarely occur in diverse native plantings

  • Hand-weed or shallow hoe during first season; mulch to suppress seeds; established natives outcompete weeds

Uses

🏠

Erosion Control and Slope Stabilization

Household

Dense root systems bind soil and prevent erosion on slopes, stream banks, and disturbed areas. Native grasses and ground covers reduce runoff better than non-native species because they are adapted to local rainfall patterns. [source]

🦋

Habitat and Pollinator Support

Wildlife

Native plants provide food, nesting materials, and shelter for local insects, birds, and small mammals. Flowering native ground covers and grasses support butterflies, bees, and other pollinators critical to local ecosystems. [source]

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Water Conservation and Reduced Maintenance

Household

Once established, native ground covers require minimal watering, fertilizing, or mowing compared to non-native lawns. They reduce landscaping labor, chemical inputs, and water usage while supporting sustainable land stewardship. [source]

🎨

Seed Harvesting and Propagation

Craft

Collect mature seed heads in fall for propagation, restoration projects, or to share with other gardeners. Seeds of many native grasses and ground covers store well and can be used for future plantings or native plant sales. [source]

💊

Traditional and Ethnobotanical Uses

Medicinal

Many native ground covers and grasses have historical uses in indigenous cultures for food, medicine, basketry, and ceremonies. Examples include native sedges used for weaving and native forbs used in traditional teas or remedies. [source]

This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.

Harvest Tips

Not harvested like crops. Instead, manage by: mowing native grasses once yearly in late winter/early spring at 3-4 inches height if needed; allowing seed heads to mature for wildlife food; deadheading aggressive seeders to prevent overtaking; cutting back leggy ground covers to rejuvenate growth every 2-3 years

Fun Facts

  • 🌱 Native prairie grasses have root systems that extend 6-12 feet deep, making them incredibly drought-tolerant and soil-building powerhouses compared to shallow-rooted lawn grasses
  • 🌱 A single native ground cover planting can sequester carbon, reduce stormwater runoff by up to 90%, and support 10+ times more insect species than a non-native monoculture lawn
  • 🌱 Native ground covers often bloom at different times (spring ephemerals, summer bloomers, fall bloomers), providing continuous food sources for wildlife throughout the growing season

Gardening Terms

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

Deadhead Full Sun Native Plant Partial Shade
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