Last Updated on February 22, 2026 by D. Ruddy
Thinking about letting your lawn go a little wild? Many people find the idea of a no-mow lawn exciting but aren’t sure where to begin. It seems like a big change, and figuring out what plants to use can feel tricky.
But don’t worry! We’ll walk you through exactly How to start a no mow lawn with groundcovers, step by step, making it super simple. We’ll cover everything you need to know to get your beautiful, low-maintenance yard started.
Key Takeaways
- You will learn what a no-mow lawn is and why people choose it.
- Discover the best groundcovers that need little to no mowing.
- Understand how to prepare your yard for a new groundcover lawn.
- Get tips on planting and initial care to help your groundcovers thrive.
- Learn about ongoing maintenance, which is much easier than regular mowing.
- Find out how to deal with common issues that might pop up.
What is a No Mow Lawn and Why Choose One?
A no-mow lawn is a garden area where grass is intentionally not cut. Instead, it’s
Think about all the weekends you spend cutting grass. A no-mow lawn gives that time back to you. It can also reduce water use and the need for fertilizers and pesticides.
These plants can help support local wildlife, like bees and butterflies. It’s a simpler way to have a green space that still looks lovely. This approach can make your yard more colorful and interesting too.
Saving Time and Effort
The biggest draw for many is the sheer amount of time saved. Lawn mowing is a chore that many people dislike. By switching to groundcovers, you eliminate this weekly or bi-weekly task.
This frees up hours you can use for hobbies, family, or just relaxing.
Environmental Benefits
No-mow lawns are kinder to the planet. They require less water than traditional grass, especially drought-tolerant groundcovers. They also reduce noise pollution from lawnmowers and cut down on emissions.
Many groundcovers help improve soil health and provide habitats for beneficial insects.
Aesthetic Appeal
A yard full of different groundcovers can be very beautiful. They offer a variety of textures, colors, and even flowers throughout the year. This can create a much more visually interesting landscape than a monoculture of grass.
Some groundcovers bloom, adding pops of color.
Choosing the Right Groundcovers for Your No Mow Lawn
Picking the right plants is the most important part of starting a no-mow lawn. You want groundcovers that spread well, stay low, and can handle foot traffic if needed. Different plants thrive in different conditions, so knowing your yard’s sun and soil is key.
Some groundcovers are better for shady spots, while others love the sun.
Consider the climate where you live. Some plants can’t handle cold winters, while others struggle in extreme heat. You also want to think about how much effort you want to put into your yard.
Some groundcovers are very low maintenance, while others might need a little more care when they are first getting established. We’ll explore some popular and effective options that make How to start a no mow lawn with groundcovers successful.
Sun-Loving Groundcovers
If your yard gets a lot of sunlight, you have many great choices. Plants like creeping thyme are fantastic for sunny, well-drained areas. They smell wonderful when you walk on them and even produce tiny flowers.
Sedums, especially the low-growing varieties, are also excellent. They are very drought-tolerant and come in many colors and textures.
Another good option for sunny spots is Corsican mint. It’s a very low-growing plant with a delightful scent. It spreads nicely and can create a lush green carpet.
Remember to ensure good drainage, as most sun-loving plants don’t like wet feet.
Shade-Tolerant Groundcovers
For areas that don’t get much sun, there are also wonderful groundcovers. Pachysandra, also known as Japanese Spurge, is a classic choice for shady spots. It forms a dense mat of glossy, dark green leaves.
It’s evergreen, so it keeps its color all year round.
Creeping Jenny is another popular plant that can handle some shade. It has bright chartreuse or golden foliage that trails beautifully. While it prefers sun, it can tolerate partial shade.
Hostas, though not strictly a groundcover, can be used in shady areas to fill space with their large, attractive leaves.
Groundcovers for Varying Conditions
Some plants are quite versatile. Ajuga, or Bugleweed, can grow in both sun and partial shade. It has attractive foliage and spikes of blue flowers in spring.
It spreads readily to form a dense mat. Many types of sedge grasses also work well and offer different textures and colors. They are generally hardy and adaptable.
Consider native plants as well. They are often best suited to your local climate and soil, requiring less intervention. Native groundcovers can also be a huge boon to local wildlife.
Examples of Popular Groundcovers
- Creeping Thyme: Thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. It’s low-growing, aromatic, and produces small flowers. It can handle light foot traffic.
- Pachysandra (Japanese Spurge): Ideal for shady areas, forming a dense evergreen carpet. It’s low maintenance once established.
- Sedum (Stonecrop): Many low-growing varieties are perfect for sunny, dry spots. They are drought-tolerant and come in various leaf colors.
- Ajuga (Bugleweed): Adaptable to sun or partial shade. It spreads quickly, suppressing weeds and offering colorful foliage and flower spikes.
- Creeping Jenny: Brightly colored foliage that trails. Prefers moist soil but can tolerate a range of conditions.
Each of these plants offers unique benefits. Creeping thyme, for instance, is wonderfully fragrant. Imagine walking through your yard and smelling that!
Sedums are tough and can survive with very little water, making them perfect for drier climates. Pachysandra provides year-round green cover in shady garden spots, a real workhorse for difficult areas.
Preparing Your Yard for a No Mow Lawn
Getting your yard ready is a key step in making your no-mow lawn a success. You can’t just plant groundcovers over a messy yard. You need to get rid of what’s there first, especially existing grass and weeds.
This might sound like a lot of work, but it sets your new plants up for a good start.
The goal is to clear the area so your chosen groundcovers can spread without competition. If you don’t prepare properly, weeds might take over your new low-maintenance lawn. This section will guide you through the best ways to prep your space, ensuring your efforts to learn How to start a no mow lawn with groundcovers pay off.
Removing Existing Grass and Weeds
The first task is to get rid of the current lawn. You can do this in a few ways. One common method is solarization.
This involves covering the area with clear plastic during the hottest part of the year. The sun heats up the soil, killing grass and weed seeds. Another approach is smothering.
Lay down cardboard or thick layers of newspaper over the grass. Then, add compost or mulch on top. This blocks sunlight and kills the grass over several months.
You can also use a sod cutter to physically remove the grass. This is faster but more labor-intensive. For stubborn weeds, you might need to dig them out by hand, making sure to get the roots.
It’s important to be thorough. A little effort now saves a lot of trouble later.
Soil Preparation
Once the area is clear, you need to improve the soil. Most groundcovers prefer soil that is well-draining. If your soil is heavy clay, mix in some compost or organic matter.
This will help it drain better and provide nutrients. You can also add a bit of sand to improve drainage in very heavy soils.
Test your soil’s pH if you can. Some plants prefer slightly acidic soil, while others like it neutral or alkaline. Most common groundcovers are pretty forgiving, but knowing your soil’s needs helps.
Adding a layer of compost about 2-4 inches deep and mixing it into the top few inches of soil is usually a great step.
Leveling and Smoothing
After amending the soil, you’ll want to level the area. Rake it smooth to remove any large clumps of dirt or debris. This makes planting easier and gives your groundcovers an even surface to grow on.
Small bumps and dips can be smoothed out with a rake. A level surface also helps with even watering.
If there are any rocks or roots left from the old lawn, now is the time to remove them. A smooth, clean surface is the best foundation for your new, easy-care lawn. Think of it as preparing a canvas for your planting project.
Weed Barrier Considerations
Some people consider using a weed barrier fabric. This can be helpful in preventing weeds from growing up from below. However, it’s important to choose a permeable fabric that still allows water and air to reach the soil.
Some gardeners prefer not to use it, relying on dense groundcover growth to suppress weeds.
If you use a weed barrier, make sure to lay it down correctly. Overlap the edges well to prevent gaps. Then, plant your groundcovers through the fabric.
While it can offer an extra layer of weed control, it’s not always necessary if you’ve done thorough weed removal.
Planting Your Groundcover Lawn
Now comes the exciting part: planting! The method you use will depend on the type of groundcover you choose and how quickly you want the area to fill in. Planting at the right time of year also makes a big difference in how well your plants establish themselves.
Getting this right is essential for understanding How to start a no mow lawn with groundcovers.
Take your time with this stage. Healthy, well-planted groundcovers will fill in faster and look better. It’s a bit like sowing seeds, but with more established plants.
The spacing and care you give them now will determine their future success.
When to Plant
The best time to plant most groundcovers is in the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder temperatures and more consistent moisture, which helps plants establish roots without the stress of extreme heat or cold. Planting in spring allows plants to grow throughout the summer.
Fall planting lets them settle in over winter for a strong start the following spring.
Avoid planting during the hottest part of summer or when the ground is frozen. If you are planting drought-tolerant groundcovers, you might have more flexibility, but still, spring or fall are generally the best bets for initial establishment.
Planting Methods
You can plant groundcovers in a few ways. One is using seeds, though this takes the longest time to establish. Many groundcovers are better planted as small plants or plugs.
These are young plants grown in small pots or trays. You can space them out according to their mature size.
Another method is using cuttings or divisions. If you know someone with established groundcovers, you might be able to get pieces to start your own. This is a cost-effective way to grow your new lawn.
When planting plugs or divisions, dig a hole slightly larger than the root ball.
Spacing Your Plants
How far apart you plant your groundcovers depends on the plant’s growth habit and how quickly you want the area to fill in. Plants that spread aggressively can be planted further apart. For slower-spreading types, you’ll want to plant them closer together.
Check the plant tags or descriptions for recommended spacing. A good rule of thumb is to space them so that they will touch and fill in within one to three years. If you plant them too far apart, weeds can take advantage of the gaps.
If you plant them too close, you might waste money on extra plants.
Initial Watering and Care
After planting, water everything thoroughly. This helps settle the soil around the roots and reduces transplant shock. For the first few weeks, you’ll need to water regularly to keep the soil consistently moist.
This is crucial for helping your new plants get established.
As the plants grow, you can gradually reduce the watering frequency. Once they are well-established, many groundcovers are quite drought-tolerant. Keep an eye on them and water during dry spells, especially in the first year.
Maintaining Your No Mow Lawn
One of the biggest advantages of a no-mow lawn is the reduced maintenance. Once your groundcovers are established, they largely take care of themselves. This is the real payoff for learning How to start a no mow lawn with groundcovers.
However, “no mow” doesn’t mean “no care” entirely.
There will still be a few tasks to keep your lawn looking its best. These are typically much less demanding than mowing. Understanding these simple tasks will help you enjoy your beautiful, low-effort yard for years to come.
Weeding
While groundcovers are excellent at outcompeting weeds, some may still pop up, especially in the first year or two. It’s important to pull any weeds you see when they are small. This prevents them from going to seed and spreading.
Many weeds can be pulled by hand, especially after rain when the soil is soft.
You can also use mulch around plants that are not yet fully filling in. Mulch helps suppress weed growth and retains soil moisture. Some gardeners find that a light layer of mulch is all that’s needed to keep weeds at bay.
Watering Needs
Established groundcovers generally require less watering than a grass lawn. Many are drought-tolerant. However, during extended dry periods, they may need supplemental watering.
Check the soil moisture by sticking your finger a couple of inches down. If it feels dry, it’s time to water.
Water deeply but infrequently. This encourages plants to develop strong, deep root systems, making them more resilient. Avoid overhead watering late in the day, as this can encourage fungal diseases in some plants.
Occasional Pruning or Trimming
Some groundcovers might become a bit leggy or spread into areas where you don’t want them. In these cases, a light trim can help maintain their shape and density. This is usually done once a year, or as needed.
For example, if a creeping plant starts to climb over a pathway, you can simply trim it back. This keeps edges tidy and prevents plants from taking over unintended spaces. Some flowering groundcovers might benefit from a light trim after they finish blooming to encourage bushier growth.
Pest and Disease Management
Groundcovers are often more resistant to pests and diseases than traditional lawns. However, problems can still arise. The best approach is prevention.
Healthy plants in good soil are less likely to have issues. Ensure good air circulation and avoid overwatering.
If you do spot pests like aphids or slugs, try natural solutions first. Ladybugs are great aphid predators. A shallow dish of beer can trap slugs.
For diseases, identify the problem correctly and address it with appropriate, eco-friendly treatments if necessary. Often, addressing poor growing conditions is the best fix.
Seasonal Care
In the fall, you might want to rake away fallen leaves from deciduous trees. A thick layer of leaves can smother some groundcovers, especially evergreens. In spring, you can gently rake to remove any dead foliage and prepare the plants for new growth.
This is usually all that’s needed for seasonal upkeep.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even with the best planning, sometimes issues can pop up in your no-mow lawn. These are usually easy to fix if you know what to look for. Don’t get discouraged if you encounter a problem; it’s a normal part of gardening.
Addressing these challenges is part of the ongoing process of having a beautiful, low-maintenance yard.
Understanding how to handle common problems will ensure your groundcovers continue to thrive. This helps you get the most out of your decision to learn How to start a no mow lawn with groundcovers and enjoy its benefits long-term.
Bare Patches
If you notice bare spots appearing, it could be due to several reasons. Perhaps the groundcover isn’t suited to that particular spot’s conditions (too much sun, too little sun, poor drainage). It might also be a sign of disease or pests, or simply that the plant hasn’t spread to fill the area yet.
To fix bare patches, you can try replanting that area with more groundcover. For persistent issues, investigate the cause. If it’s a drainage problem, amend the soil.
If it’s pests, treat them. Sometimes, overseeding with a compatible groundcover can also help fill gaps.
Weed Infestations
If weeds are starting to take over, it usually means your groundcovers aren’t dense enough yet to suppress them, or the weeds are particularly aggressive. Hand-pulling is the best method for persistent weeds. Make sure to remove the roots.
You can also re-mulch areas where weeds are a problem. If weeds are overwhelming, you might need to temporarily cover the area again to kill them and then replant your groundcovers. This is more likely to happen in the first year or two.
Invasive Groundcovers
Be careful when choosing groundcovers, as some can become invasive in certain regions. If a plant is spreading too aggressively and crowding out other plants or encroaching on paths, it needs to be managed. You may need to trim it back more frequently or even consider removing some of it.
Research local invasive species before planting. If you find you’ve planted something that’s too aggressive, don’t hesitate to remove it and
Dying Plants
If entire plants or sections of your groundcover lawn are dying, it’s important to diagnose the issue. Check for signs of pests or disease. Is the soil too wet or too dry?
Has there been a sudden change in temperature? Overwatering is a common culprit for many dying plants, especially in clay soils.
Once you identify the cause, you can take corrective action. For example, if overwatering is the problem, reduce watering frequency and ensure good drainage. If a disease is present, remove infected plants to prevent it from spreading.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: How long does it take for a no mow lawn to fill in?
Answer: It can take anywhere from 6 months to 3 years for groundcovers to fully fill in, depending on the type of plant, spacing, and growing conditions. Faster-spreading varieties will fill in sooner.
Question: Do I ever need to water a no mow lawn?
Answer: Once established, many groundcovers are drought-tolerant. However, during very dry periods, especially in the first year, they will need occasional watering to thrive.
Question: Can I walk on a no mow lawn with groundcovers?
Answer: Some groundcovers are more durable than others. Plants like creeping thyme and some sedums can tolerate light foot traffic. Avoid planting delicate groundcovers in high-traffic areas.
Question: What if I have an area that gets very little sun?
Answer: For shady areas, choose shade-tolerant groundcovers like Pachysandra, Vinca, or certain types of Hostas. These plants are adapted to low-light conditions.
Question: How do I deal with fallen leaves on my no mow lawn?
Answer: It’s best to rake away fallen leaves, especially in the fall. A thick layer of leaves can smother groundcovers and block sunlight needed for growth, particularly for evergreen varieties.
Final Thoughts
Starting a no-mow lawn with groundcovers is a rewarding project. You’ve learned how to choose the best plants for your yard, prepare the soil, and plant them. You also know how to care for them with minimal effort.
Enjoy a beautiful, easy-care yard that saves you time and benefits nature. You’ve got this!
