4 Edible Ground Covers for Your Garden

If you are tired of mowing the lawn, or you have a big space under a tree that the mower can’t get to so easily, it might be time to think about growing a ground cover. By not mowing, you could save on physical energy, save gas, and save the planet just a little all at the same time.

A ground cover is a plant that grows low to the ground and spreads easily, creating a carpet. This living carpet is great for choking out weeds, keeping the soil cool and moist, and even helping with soil erosion by holding loose soil intact.

What’s more, if this ground cover is edible and/or medicinal, too, then you are on to a double winner!

Check out these edible ground covers that you can easily add to your garden spaces, provide a little greenery, a little more beauty, and something to nibble.

1. Creeping Thyme

Source: Plant Vibrations with Devin Wallien/YouTube

Most thyme species grow fairly close to the ground and create thick mats of sweet smiling greenery. However, the very specific creeping thyme (Thymus praecox or Thymus serpyllum) is very much a true ground cover. It rarely grows taller than 3 inches and can ever tolerate some foot traffic. For that reason, folks grow it between stepping stones and other areas that might get trod upon!

Creeping thyme has deep green foliage and stunning pinky-purple flowers. Thankfully, this plant is not too fussy and will grow in full sun to light shade. Keep the soil moist but not sodden.

You can grow creeping thyme for seed, find it at a nursery to buy, or better yet, find a friend who already has some and take a clipping or root division.

Use creeping thyme as you would any other culinary thyme.

2. Creeping Rosemary

Source: Urban Herbs/YouTube

Most of us are familiar with the small shrub version of rosemary. It’s quite the staple in most herb gardens. However, there is a variety of rosemary that stays close to the ground and sends out long branches that creep over the earth. Creeping, or trailing, rosemary may still be used for culinary and medicinal purposes.

Unlike the creeping thyme, it isn’t a plant that you want to be stepping all over, so plant it in a spot safe from heavy feet. This plant enjoys a lovely sunny spot with well-draining soil. It doesn’t like to be resting in the water. Also, it does not love cold temperatures but is hardy to zones 8-10.

In the kitchen, this variety of rosemary is a winner as its stems are much softer than its woodier shrub-like cousin!

3. Wintergreen

Source: How Does Your Garden Grow/YouTube

You might associate wintergreen (Gaultheria procumbens) with toothpaste or chewing gum flavor, but wintergreen is a plant with some brilliant attributes.

This evergreen ground cover is especially beautiful in the fall and on into the spring as it bears bright red berries. These berries are edible and are fun to chew on to get that ‘root beer’ hint. The texture, however, is a little foamy, and you shouldn’t eat too many in one go! The leaves of the wintergreen plant can be used to make tea.

You can buy plants at a nursery, sow them by seed, or divide an existing plant at the roots. Alternatively, you can also grow this plant from cuttings. Plant your wintergreen plants in acidic soil in a partially shady spot.

4. Rock Cress

Rock Cress (Aubrieta deltoidea) is a gorgeous evergreen ground cover that shows off purple/blue blooms in the spring. True to its name, this plant is happy growing and cascading over rocks. Both its flowers and leaves are edible and can be enjoyed in salads and on sandwiches.

This plant is hardy to zones 4-8 and enjoys a sunny spot with really well-draining soil. It hates to be sat in the water! It is deer resistant and somewhat drought tolerant. You can easily grow rock cress from seed by direct sowing it on the surface of the soil. Ideally, try to find a friend who already has a patch of rock cress and divide a clump for yourself at the roots. You can also do this with your own patch once it is established and spread it around your yard or share it with friends.

This is for informational purposes only. Consult a medical professional before using plants for medicinal purposes. 

Related Content:

• The Essential Guide to Herbs
• Growing Your Own Perennial Culinary Herb Garden at Home
• Uncovering the Mysteries of Medicinal Herbs
• 9 Herbs and Spices to Start a Medicinal Garden at Home
• 5 Medicinal Herbs to Grow in Pots

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