Clay soil can be challenging, especially when you’re looking for walkable ground covers. It tends to hold water, drain slowly, and become compacted easily. But with the right ground covers, you can turn your clay-heavy yard into a beautiful, low-maintenance, and walk-friendly space. In this guide, you’ll find the best walkable ground cover for clay soil and learn how to plant and care for them.
As a gardener who grew up fighting with clay soil in the midwest, the most beautiful flower beds I ever had I mixed in Rabbit manure. My kids showed rabbits in 4-H so we had an abundance!! I bought a compost bin and their trays were dumped daily into it-this made the most beautiful compost. You can call your local extension office and they may be able to get you in touch with 4-H families that will be very happy to part with their extra manure. I have seen allot of my 4-H friends post on facebook or instagram about free manure. Happy Gardening!!
Why Choose Walkable Ground Covers?
Walkable ground covers offer more than just beauty. They fill bare spots, reduce weeds, prevent soil erosion, and provide a soft surface you can step on. Some even release a pleasant scent when you walk on them. They’re perfect for spaces between pavers, paths, or as lawn alternatives. Choosing varieties that thrive in clay ensures they grow strong and healthy without constant effort.
Best Walkable Ground Covers for Clay Soil
Creeping Jenny (Lysimachia nummularia)
Creeping Jenny loves moisture, which makes it a perfect match for clay soil. Its trailing stems create a dense mat of bright green or golden leaves. It’s soft underfoot and spreads quickly. It also tolerates light foot traffic, making it ideal around stepping stones or borders.
Red Creeping Thyme (Thymus praecox ‘Coccineus’)
This hardy thyme has small, aromatic leaves and beautiful pink flowers in summer. It tolerates clay soil once established and handles moderate foot traffic. It grows low and fills gaps nicely. Plus, it smells amazing when crushed underfoot.
White Clover (Trifolium repens)
White clover improves clay soil over time by fixing nitrogen. It has soft, round leaves and small white flowers that bees love. Tolerates foot traffic well and works as a lawn substitute. It grows in full sun to partial shade, which adds to its flexibility.
Blue Star Creeper (Isotoma fluviatilis)
Blue Star Creeper forms a dense, soft mat with tiny green leaves and light blue flowers. It’s ideal for clay because it likes moisture but drains well once established. It thrives between pavers and handles light foot traffic easily.
Roman Chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile)
Roman Chamomile not only handles clay soil but also smells wonderful. It grows into a fragrant, low mat with feathery leaves and daisy-like flowers. It tolerates walking and works beautifully near patios or seating areas.
Ajuga (Ajuga reptans)
Ajuga is a hardy ground cover with colorful foliage in shades of green, bronze, and purple. It sends out runners to fill space and produces spikes of blue flowers in spring. It grows well in clay and handles occasional walking.
Bugleweed (Ajuga genevensis)
Bugleweed, is a cousin of Ajuga reptans thrives in heavy soil and spreads slowly. Its low rosette form makes it perfect for footpaths. It offers rich foliage and subtle blooms, adding texture and color to shady clay spots.
Irish Moss (Sagina subulata)
Irish Moss forms a soft, dense mat that feels like a cushion under your feet. It prefers moist, well-drained clay and grows well in both sun and part shade. Tiny white blooms appear in spring, adding charm to your walkways.
How to Prepare Clay Soil for Planting Ground Covers
Clay soil needs a bit of help before planting. Start by removing any weeds or grass from the area. Break up the soil with a shovel or garden fork. This helps improve drainage and makes it easier for roots to grow.
Next, mix in organic matter like compost or well-rotted manure. This boosts nutrients and improves texture. Aim for a 2–4 inch layer of compost worked into the top 6–8 inches of soil. You can also add a bit of coarse sand or gypsum to help with drainage, but don’t overdo it.
If the area tends to stay soggy, consider raising the bed slightly or adding pathways to direct foot traffic and avoid compacting wet soil.
How to Plant Ground Covers in Clay Soil
Once the soil is ready, lay out your plants while they’re still in their pots. This helps you see spacing and design. Most walkable ground covers should be spaced 6–12 inches apart, depending on how fast they grow.
Dig holes the same depth as the plant’s root ball and twice as wide. Gently loosen the roots before planting. Place each plant in the hole, fill with soil, and press firmly around the base to remove air pockets.
Water well after planting. Then, add a thin layer of mulch between plants to keep weeds down and soil moist. Avoid piling mulch against the stems.
Caring for Walkable Ground Covers in Clay Soil
Caring for ground covers in clay soil doesn’t have to be hard. With a few simple steps, you’ll keep your plants healthy and thriving.
Watering
Clay holds water longer than sandy soil, so don’t overwater. In the beginning, keep the soil moist while plants establish. After a few weeks, water only when the top inch feels dry. During hot or dry spells, increase watering slightly, but always check the soil first.
Fertilizing
Many ground covers don’t need much feeding. In spring, apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer or organic compost around the base of plants. This gives them the boost they need for new growth without overfeeding.
Pruning and Trimming
As your ground covers grow, trim them to keep paths clear and prevent overcrowding. Most varieties respond well to light pruning. For flowering types like thyme or chamomile, trim after blooms fade to keep them tidy and encourage more growth.
Weed Control
Weeds can still pop up between your ground covers. Hand-pull weeds as soon as you see them. A dense mat of ground cover will eventually choke out weeds on its own, but early weeding helps it get established faster.
Dealing with Foot Traffic
Even walkable ground covers need a little help handling heavy foot traffic. Use stepping stones, gravel paths, or pavers in high-traffic areas. Place ground covers between the stones so they stay protected while still creating a natural look. This keeps the plants healthy and reduces damage.
Seasonal Maintenance Tips
Each season brings different needs for your ground cover garden.
In spring, clean up any winter damage, add compost, and trim dead growth. This gives your ground covers a fresh start.
In summer, check for signs of stress like browning leaves or wilting. Water during dry spells and trim back overgrowth.
In fall, remove fallen leaves to prevent mold or rot. You can also divide spreading types like ajuga or creeping Jenny to fill bare spots or create new plantings.
In winter, most ground covers go dormant or slow their growth. Avoid walking on frozen or soggy soil to prevent compaction and root damage.
Benefits of Walkable Ground Covers in Clay Soil
Walkable ground covers do more than just look good. They keep clay soil in place, prevent erosion, and reduce the need for mowing. They also attract pollinators, add texture and color, and make your yard feel soft and welcoming. Over time, some even improve soil structure by loosening compacted areas with their roots.
When you choose the right varieties and give them the care they need, you’ll enjoy a lush, low-maintenance yard that handles foot traffic and thrives in clay soil.
Final Thoughts
Clay soil doesn’t have to hold you back from creating a beautiful, walkable landscape. By selecting the right ground covers like creeping Jenny, thyme, white clover, or blue star creeper, you’ll build a soft, durable surface that adds beauty and function to your yard. With proper soil prep, careful planting, and simple care routines, your ground covers will spread and thrive—making every step in your garden feel more inviting.
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