SOIL TEST INFORMATION SHEET NO. H-830

Prepared by Extension Horticulturist Allen D. Owings

Ground Covers

1.	The best time to fertilize ground covers is early spring.  Broadcast the fertilizer evenly over the ground cover bed and then brush off the foliage and water in.

2.	Use a complete slow-release fertilizer for fertilizing ground covers.  Other fertilizers, such as 8-8-8 or 13-13-13 can also be used, but slow-release fertilizers are the best.  Avoid application of         34-0-0.

3.	For newly planted ground covers, two or three fertilizer application during the first growing season will speed growth and coverage.  Make an initial fertilization in March with follow-up applications in late spring/ early summer and late summer/early fall.

4.	Apply fertilizer to ground covers at the rate of one pound of nitrogen per 1000 ft2

5.	Contact your county agent for additional information and help in your fertilization program.  The agent also receives a copy of this report for the parish office files.