Though not all ground covers have exactly the same needs, the basics for getting them started are the same. Preparing the planting area is the key to success.

Start by ridding the area to be planted of any weeds, including their roots. If your site is relatively level, dig or till the area to about a foot deep. Add in any organic compost and a complete fertilizer, and rake the site to eliminate high spots and fill in low spots.

For hillsides, it's best to leave the site as undisturbed as possible. If you wish, lay down landscape fabric before planting to prevent weed growth.

It's best to plant in fall about one month before the first frost or in early spring before the growing season begins. Space plants to accommodate their mature size. If you're covering a large area, stagger the rows so the plants are offset.

When planting from flats or cell packs, dig a hole just the depth of the rootball of each plant and slightly wider. Place each plant in the hole and fill in with garden soil. Water gently but thoroughly.

For larger plants, dig a hole slightly deeper than the rootball and twice as wide, with the sides tapered out slightly at the bottom of the hole. Create a small mound in the center of the hole, place the plant on the mound, and spread out the roots. The crown of the plant should be slightly above the soil level. Fill in with the soil you removed from the hole, and then mound additional soil around the edges of the planting hole to form a watering basin. Water thoroughly after planting and then add mulch around the plants.

If you're planting on a hillside, set the plants out in a staggered pattern. For each plant, cut back into the hillside to create a flat spot, leaving enough room for the plant and a small watering basin behind it. Put the crowns slightly above the soil line so they won't be overwatered by runoff. Water thoroughly and then add mulch around the plants.