If you’re looking for the best ground cover for sandy soil, you’ve come to the right place. Choosing the right ground cover is crucial for maintaining a healthy garden and preventing soil erosion. sandy soil presents different challenges, but there are several factors to consider before choosing the right ground cover that can survive and thrive in sandy soil.
First, readers need to consider the climate of their area. Choose plants that are well suited to your weather conditions to avoid wasting time and money on plants that can’t survive your climate. Secondly, consider the maintenance required for each plant. Some ground covers are more low maintenance than others, so choose plants that fit your gardening style and schedule.
If you're looking for ground cover for sandy soil, you might be asking yourself, "What are the best options?" "What plants can survive in the harsh sandy soil?" Fear not because there are many options like creeping juniper, creeping phlox, clover, periwinkle, oricebrathoma, and more. Each plant has its unique characteristics that could make it a fit for your sandy soil garden. So keep reading to discover the best fit for your gardening needs.
10 Best Ground Cover For Sandy Soil
| # | Product Image | Product Name | Product Notes | Check Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1
|
 |
The product is ideal for planting white clover with nitrogen coating and inoculation to improve soil quality.
|
|
|
|
2
|
 |
Ground cover for areas in need of drought-tolerant, cold-hardy evergreen plants.
|
|
|
|
3
|
 |
This product is ideal for ground cover, with the ability to withstand drought and cold weather.
|
|
|
|
4
|
 |
This product is ideal for ground cover planting, specifically in areas that require low-maintenance and drought-resistant vegetation.
|
|
|
|
5
|
 |
Ideal for low growing, spreading ground cover in hot and humid climates.
|
|
|
|
6
|
 |
The product is ideal for securing weed barrier fabric, ground cover, dripper irrigation tubing, and soaker.
|
|
|
|
7
|
 |
The product is ideal for creating a carpet of small white flowers in a garden.
|
|
|
|
8
|
 |
It is ideal for securing ground covers, garden fabrics, fences, and landscape materials.
|
|
|
|
9
|
 |
This product is ideal for filling in gaps between stones, as a groundcover or lawn substitute in gardens, zones 4-10.
|
|
|
|
10
|
 |
This product is ideal for planting a food plot to attract deer and other wildlife.
|
|
1. White Clover Seeds, Nitro-Coated And Inoculated, 1 Pound By Seeds2go
Looking for a reliable and versatile clover seed that can help you boost your soil's nitrogen levels? Look no further than the Perennial, Nitro-Coated, Inoculated Clover Seed.
This high-quality seed is specially designed to help you take advantage of the unique properties of clover to fix nitrogen from the air and deposit it into the soil. By doing so, it can help you create a healthier, more fertile growing environment that supports healthier, more vigorous plant growth.
The Perennial, Nitro-Coated, Inoculated Clover Seed is also highly versatile, and can be used in a wide variety of applications. Whether you're looking to create a durable and attractive ground cover, control erosion, or build up your pasture or turf mix, this seed has you covered.
And with a wide range of USDA zones (3-10), the Perennial, Nitro-Coated, Inoculated Clover Seed is suitable for use in a wide range of environments and growing conditions. So whether you're a seasoned gardener or a new farmer just starting out, you can count on this seed to deliver the results you need.
So why wait? If you're looking for a high-quality clover seed that can help boost your soil's nitrogen levels and support healthy plant growth, look no further than the Perennial, Nitro-Coated, Inoculated Clover Seed. With its reliable performance, versatile applications, and wide range of USDA zones, it's the perfect choice for anyone looking to take their gardening or farming to the next level.
2. Hughes Juniper – 30 Live Plants – Drought Tolerant Cold Hardy Evergreen Ground Cover
The Hughes Juniper is a stunning shrub that adds beauty to any garden space. Its graceful branches provide a perfect accent or groundcover, and it is adaptable to various environments, including rocky or sandy soil. The shrub is highly tolerant of urban pollution and can even thrive in inner city environments.
With its glowing silver-blue foliage, this evergreen shrub retains its showy coloring throughout the winter months, making it a great addition to any garden space. The Hughes Juniper is also adaptable to snow and frost as well as excessive heat, making it a hardy plant that can withstand various weather conditions.
This shrub grows at a slow rate, reaching a height of about 12 inches at maturity with a spread of 8 feet. It tends to fill out right to the ground, making it unnecessary to plant facer plants in front. Under ideal conditions, the Hughes Juniper can be expected to live for approximately 30 years.
The shrub thrives in full sun to partial shade and is highly adaptable to both dry and moist growing conditions. However, it will not tolerate standing water. The Hughes Juniper is considered to be drought-tolerant, making it an ideal choice for a low-water garden or xeriscape application. It is also not particular as to soil type or pH.
The silver-blue foliage of the Hughes Juniper turns light purple in winter on wide spreading, almost horizontal branches forming a dense flat topped juniper. Round waxy blue fruits ripen to dark brown. This shrub is hardy to -40°F and can grow at a maximum elevation of 7,500 ft.
3. Juniper Procumbens Nana – 30 Live Plants – Drought Tolerant Cold Hardy Evergreen Ground Cover
The ‘Nana’ is a superb evergreen with a dense mound of ground-hugging branches that radiate from the center. Its new growth is bright green, which turns into bluish green as it matures. During winter, the foliage takes on a purple tint. This plant is an excellent choice for a group planting on a rocky slope or trained into an upright staked specimen. Its foliage and form are superb when left unpruned.
This evergreen plant can grow in average, medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun. It adapts to a wide range of soils, but prefers a dryish, sandy soil. It can tolerate hot, dry growing conditions, somewhat poor soils, and many city air pollutants. This plant's versatility makes it a perfect choice for sprawling ground cover, tolerating hot, dry locations in full sun. It is also ideal for rock gardens, foundations, slopes, and mass plantings. It can even cascade over retaining walls.
The ‘Nana’ variety is a dwarf, less vigorous form that features spiny-pointed blue-green needles that measure up to 1/3” long. It typically grows 8-12” tall and spreads to 6’ wide over time. During winter, the foliage may turn purplish in color.
Florida Foliage is proud to exclusively grow, package, and ship this versatile and beautiful evergreen plant. The ‘Nana’ is a great addition to any garden or landscape, adding texture, color, and interest year-round.
4. Sandys Nursery Online Juniper Blue Rug, Wilton Ground Cover, Lot Of 15, 4 Inch Pots
The product being offered is a set of (15) 4-inch pots of blue-green evergreen plants with needle-like leaves. These plants are known for their moderate to rapid growth, with a yearly growth rate of 0.5 to 1.5 feet. When fully mature, these plants can reach a height of 4 to 6 feet tall with a spread of 6 to 8 feet. It is recommended to space these plants 4 to 6 feet apart for optimal growth.
Please note that the seller does not ship to Arizona and California.
This set of plants is perfect for mass plantings or lining out stock, and each pot contains a healthy and robust plant that will thrive in the right conditions. With its evergreen foliage, this plant is an excellent option for year-round greenery that will add beauty and charm to any landscape.
The seller offers these plants in sets of 15, making it easy to get started with your planting project. Each pot is carefully packaged to ensure safe arrival to your doorstep.
5. Heat Hardy Creeping Zinnia Ground Cover Seeds
The Creeping Zinnia is a charming, low-growing annual that can thrive in a variety of soil types. With proper care, it can spread to 12-18 inches wide or more, making it an ideal choice for ground cover. It typically reaches a height of 4-6 inches and is best grown in USDA zones 6-9.
This plant prefers full sun and well-drained soils, but can tolerate dry to moderately moist conditions. It is particularly well-suited to the heat and humidity of Southern summers. For best results, sow the seeds directly in the garden 1-2 weeks before the last frost date. Indoor seed starting is also possible, but it may not always be successful when transplanting to the garden.
If starting the seeds indoors, it is best to use a hanging basket or container to avoid transplanting issues. Sow the seeds onto moist sowing mix and lightly cover them with vermiculite or sowing mix. The ideal temperature for germination is 65-70F, and it typically takes 14-21 days for the seeds to germinate. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged until the seedlings appear.
The sowing rate for Creeping Zinnia is approximately 2000 seeds per 40 square feet. Sow the seeds onto moist sowing mix and lightly cover them with vermiculite or sowing mix. With its bright, cheerful blooms and easy care requirements, the Creeping Zinnia is an excellent choice for gardeners of all skill levels.
6. Galvanized Garden Staples: Anti-Rust & Multi-Use.
Introducing the 12 Inch Pro Grade Heavy Duty Landscape Staples Garden Stakes, perfect for anchoring all your home outdoor projects! These meticulously crafted stakes come in a single staple size with a length of 12 inches and width of 1.5 inches, making them longer and stronger than typical staples.
Made of heavy duty professional grade quality galvanized steel, these stakes are designed to enhance your outdoor landscapes, patio, home, and landscaping projects. The thicker and steadier steel stakes provide super holding power with sharp ends for easy ground insertion. The rugged stakes can suspend, anchor, and harness a multitude of items, including edging, chain link, lighting, plastic, electric wires, pet invisible fences, inground, and underground. Additionally, the sharp ends stakes are adjustable to be suitable for any width of your home projects.
The garden staples are rust resistant due to their unique pro grade galvanized steel design, making them perfect for your container gardens, raised bed, rose, bulbs, vegetable, and flower garden projects. They come in a durable and reusable storage box, making them portable and easy to use and store. You can use them in the landscape, lawn, or garden to pin down countless items.
These tough steel staples have hundreds of uses! They are perfect for anchoring the bottom of chain link fences, metal garden sculptures, gardening fabric, plastic edging, reinforcing gaps or holes, critter, dog, and pet invisible fences, inground, underground, and wireless fences, large pieces of cardboard, drip irrigation tubing, weed barrier fabric, plant cages, artificial grass turf, tarp, wire mesh, frost cloth, electric fences, ground cover, solar lamp post, irrigation pipes, greenhouse, and wooden garden edging, to name a few.
At this company, they offer premium products while exceeding the highest industry standards. They also offer thoughtful and considerate customer care. So, if you're looking for high-quality, heavy duty, and durable stakes for anchoring all your outdoor projects, look no further than the 12 Inch Pro Grade Heavy Duty Landscape Staples Garden Stakes!
7. Alyssum Carpet Of Snow Nice Garden Flower By Seed Kingdom Bulk 40,000 Seeds
The Lobularia Maritima is a delightful annual that produces a profusion of crisp white blooms, making it a great addition to any garden. This plant is known for its outstanding qualities, including its quick flowering and low border height.
With its masses of pure white flowers, the Lobularia Maritima is a stunning sight to behold. This plant is perfect for adding a touch of elegance to any garden, and its delicate blooms will add a beautiful contrast to your other plants.
One of the most impressive aspects of the Lobularia Maritima is its quick flowering time. This plant will begin to bloom in no time at all, giving you a beautiful display of flowers in a very short period of time. This makes it an excellent choice for those who want to add some instant color to their garden.
Additionally, the Lobularia Maritima is a low border plant, which means it is perfect for adding some structure and definition to your garden beds. While it may not be the tallest plant in your garden, it will certainly make a statement with its beautiful blooms and tidy, compact shape.
8. Organic Staple Anchors – 200 Galvanized 9-Gauge Pins
Sandbaggy offers the toughest 6-inch staples on Amazon, designed to make landscaping and gardening tasks more manageable and efficient. With a 9 gauge thickness, these staples are capable of breaking through even the hardest and rockiest soils. Unlike other brands with thinner 11 gauge staples that easily bend in challenging soils, Sandbaggy's landscape staples will pierce through the ground, saving you precious time and frustration.
Made from galvanized material, these staples are engineered to delay the rusting process, providing countless uses, including securing weed barrier fabric, pet containment systems, drip irrigation systems, and erosion control matting. The galvanized construction ensures that these staples can be reused for different applications, making them an eco-friendly and cost-effective choice.
These landscape staples feature a specially engineered rounded top designed to provide a better hold and a more aesthetically pleasing look for securing pipes and drip tubing. With a pack of 200 staples, neatly packed with 100 staples in a plastic bag, these staples are easy to install and use. Sandbaggy has adopted a packaging strategy to reduce packaging waste, so retail packaging is not included.
As the #1 best-selling brand of landscape staples on the internet, Sandbaggy's landscape staples can be found securing landscape fabric and irrigation piping on job sites, national parks, and airports across America. With over 25 million Sandbaggy landscape staples installed across the country, you can trust the quality and durability of these staples for all your landscaping needs.
9. Heath Pearlwort Groundcover Seeds – Myseeds.co
Sagina subulata, also known as Heath Pearlwort or Irish Moss, is a beautiful plant species that is native to Europe. It is a hardy ground cover plant that is highly sought after for its thick and full appearance. Within just eight weeks of germination, this plant is known to grow into a lush and dense carpet of greenery.
This plant thrives in dry, sandy, or gravelly soils, making it a great addition to gardens and landscapes with well-draining soil. With its low-growing habit, Sagina subulata is an ideal choice for filling in gaps between pavers or stones, and for adding a touch of greenery to rock gardens.
When it comes to shipping, customers can enjoy the convenience of free S&H or a low flat rate, making it easier and more affordable to bring this stunning plant into their gardens. With its hardiness, low maintenance requirements, and aesthetic appeal, Sagina subulata is an excellent choice for any gardener or landscaper looking to enhance their outdoor space.
10. Outsidepride Clover King Deer & Wildlife Food Plot Seed – 5 Lbs
Looking for a reliable and effective food plot option for deer? Look no further than Clover King, the perennial clover with a proven track record for success.
This clover and alfalfa mix is a great source of protein, providing the necessary nutrients for increased antler growth. To get started, simply sow the heirloom forage clover at a rate of 8-10 pounds per acre in USDA Zones 3-10.
Seeding is easy – just broadcast the seed onto prepared soil and lightly rake it in. It's important to keep the seed continually moist until germination occurs, so be sure to water regularly during this time.
For even better establishment, consider our inoculated seed option. Clover King seed is coated with NITRO-COAT rhizobium strains, specifically chosen for each seed type to ensure successful establishment and early seed development.
Best Ground Cover For Sandy Soil FAQs
Are there any ground covers that can be used in sandy soil to attract pollinators or other beneficial wildlife?
Yes, there are several ground covers that can be used in sandy soil to attract pollinators or other beneficial wildlife. One such ground cover is the creeping thyme (Thymus serpyllum), which is a low-growing, aromatic herb that produces small pink or purple flowers in the summer. This plant is drought-tolerant and prefers well-drained soil, making it a great choice for sandy soil.
Another ground cover that can attract pollinators is the creeping phlox (Phlox subulata), which produces masses of colorful flowers in the spring. It also prefers well-drained soil and can tolerate dry conditions, making it a good choice for sandy soil.
Other options include the creeping juniper (Juniperus horizontalis), which is a low-growing evergreen that provides cover for wildlife, and the butterfly weed (Asclepias tuberosa), which attracts a wide range of pollinators and serves as a host plant for monarch butterfly larvae.
When selecting ground covers for sandy soil, it's important to choose plants that are adapted to the specific soil conditions and are native to your region. This will help ensure that they thrive and provide the maximum benefit to wildlife.
Are there any ground covers that can thrive in both sandy and wet soil conditions?
Yes, there are several ground covers that can thrive in both sandy and wet soil conditions. One example is the creeping phlox, which is a low-growing plant that produces dense mats of flowers in shades of pink, purple, blue, and white. Creeping phlox is tolerant of sandy soils and can also handle wet conditions, making it an ideal choice for areas that experience occasional flooding.
Another option is the golden creeping Jenny, which is a bright yellow ground cover that grows well in both wet and sandy soil conditions. This plant is also low-growing and spreads quickly, making it an excellent choice for filling in bare spots in the landscape.
Other ground covers that can thrive in both sandy and wet soil conditions include the creeping thyme, the bugleweed, and the sedum. When selecting a ground cover for your specific site, be sure to consider factors such as sun exposure, drainage, and maintenance requirements to ensure that the plant will thrive in your particular growing conditions.
Are there any low-maintenance ground cover options for sandy soil?
Yes, there are several low-maintenance ground cover options that thrive in sandy soil. One of the best options is the beach strawberry (Fragaria chiloensis), which is a hardy perennial that produces small, edible strawberries. It is drought-tolerant and requires little maintenance once established. Another great option is creeping juniper (Juniperus horizontalis), which is a low-growing evergreen that is perfect for covering large areas of sandy soil. It requires very little water and can withstand harsh weather conditions. Other low-maintenance ground cover options for sandy soil include creeping phlox (Phlox subulata), silver ponyfoot (Dichondra argentea), and sedum (Sedum spp.). When choosing a ground cover for sandy soil, it is important to consider the plant's tolerance for drought and its ability to spread and cover the soil.
Can ground covers help improve the fertility of sandy soil?
Ground covers can be beneficial in improving the fertility of sandy soil. Sandy soil has low nutrient content and poor water retention capacity due to its coarse texture. However, the use of ground covers can help to address these issues. Ground covers such as clover, alfalfa, and vetch are known to fix nitrogen in the soil, which is an essential nutrient for plant growth. This process helps to increase the soil's fertility and reduce the need for artificial fertilizers.
Moreover, ground covers help to reduce soil erosion, which is a common problem in sandy soil due to its loose structure. The roots of ground covers hold the soil together, preventing it from being washed away by wind or water. This helps to maintain the soil's structure, increase water retention capacity and improve overall soil health.
In conclusion, ground covers can be an effective solution for improving the fertility of sandy soil. They help to fix nitrogen, reduce soil erosion, and improve water retention capacity, which are all critical factors for plant growth and soil health.
Can ground covers help prevent soil erosion in sandy areas?
Yes, ground covers can help prevent soil erosion in sandy areas. Sandy soils are more prone to erosion due to their loose structure and low water-holding capacity. Ground covers, such as grasses, herbs, and low-growing shrubs, can help stabilize the soil by covering it with a dense network of roots and foliage. This helps to slow down the movement of wind and water, reducing the impact of erosion on the soil surface. Additionally, ground covers can increase the infiltration of water into the soil, which can help to retain moisture and prevent further erosion. Some examples of ground covers that are well-suited for sandy areas include beach grass, dune lily, and beach pea. However, it is important to select ground covers that are adapted to the specific site conditions and to properly prepare the soil before planting to ensure their success.
How can I determine which ground cover will work best for my specific sandy soil conditions?
When it comes to choosing the right ground cover for sandy soil, there are several factors to consider. First, it is important to determine the amount of sunlight the area receives as different plants have different requirements. Additionally, you should consider the moisture level of the soil, as sandy soil tends to drain quickly and may require plants that are drought-tolerant. Some ground cover options that work well in sandy soil include creeping phlox, sedum, and creeping thyme. These plants are known for their ability to spread and tolerate dry soil conditions. However, it is always best to consult with a local gardening expert or landscape designer who can recommend specific plants that will work best for your particular soil conditions and climate. They can also advise on proper planting techniques and maintenance tips to ensure the success of your ground cover.
What are some of the best ground cover options for sandy soil?
Sandy soil can be a challenge for gardeners as it tends to drain quickly and doesn't hold moisture or nutrients very well. However, there are several ground cover options that can thrive in sandy soil. One popular option is creeping thyme, which is a low-growing plant that produces fragrant flowers and can withstand drought-like conditions. Another option is sedum, which is a succulent that can tolerate sandy soil and doesn't require much water. If you're looking for a more colorful option, consider planting ice plant, which produces vibrant pink or purple flowers and can grow well in sandy soil. Other ground cover options for sandy soil include creeping juniper, chamomile, and creeping phlox. Before planting any ground cover in sandy soil, it's important to amend the soil with compost or other organic matter to improve its structure and fertility.
What are some shade-tolerant ground cover plants that can grow in sandy soil?
There are several shade-tolerant ground cover plants that can grow in sandy soil. Some popular options include:
1. Creeping Jenny (Lysimachia nummularia) – This plant has small, round leaves and produces yellow flowers in the summer. It thrives in moist soil but can tolerate sandy soil.
2. Spotted Deadnettle (Lamium maculatum) – Spotted Deadnettle is a low-growing plant with variegated leaves and pink or purple flowers. It is drought-tolerant and can grow in sandy soil.
3. Bearberry (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi) – Bearberry is an evergreen ground cover with small, leathery leaves and pink or white flowers. It prefers well-draining soil, making sandy soil a good option.
4. Periwinkle (Vinca minor) – Periwinkle is a popular ground cover with glossy green leaves and blue or purple flowers. It is shade-tolerant and can grow in sandy soil.
5. Sweet Woodruff (Galium odoratum) – Sweet Woodruff has small, star-shaped white flowers and fragrant leaves. It prefers moist soil but can tolerate sandy soil in shaded areas.
These plants are all easy to maintain and can provide a beautiful, low-maintenance ground cover in shady areas with sandy soil.
What are the most drought-tolerant ground cover options for sandy soil?
When it comes to choosing drought-tolerant ground cover for sandy soil, there are several options available. One of the best options is the creeping juniper, which is a low-growing evergreen plant that can withstand drought conditions. Another great choice is the Dwarf Coyote Brush, which is a native California plant that requires little water and can tolerate sandy soil. Another popular choice is the Ice Plant, which is a succulent ground cover that can withstand drought and sandy soil conditions. It produces beautiful flowers and is easy to maintain. Other options include the Blue Fescue, which is a grass-like plant that has a bluish-green color and can tolerate drought conditions, and the Yarrow, a flowering plant that can tolerate sandy soil and requires little water. Overall, when choosing drought-tolerant ground cover for sandy soil, it is important to consider the plant's ability to tolerate dry conditions and thrive in sandy soil.
Which ground cover plants are most effective at stabilizing sandy soil?
There are a few ground cover plants that are effective at stabilizing sandy soil and preventing erosion. One of the most popular options is beach grass (Ammophila breviligulata), which is a hardy, salt-tolerant plant that sends out deep roots to hold the soil in place. Other effective ground covers for sandy soil include silver mound (Artemisia schmidtiana), creeping juniper (Juniperus horizontalis), and thyme (Thymus spp.). These plants have extensive root systems that help to anchor the soil, and also provide good ground cover to prevent wind and water erosion. Additionally, planting a mixture of these plants can provide a diverse and attractive ground cover for sandy areas. It is important to choose plants that are adapted to the specific site conditions, and to ensure that the soil is well-draining to avoid waterlogging or root rot.