Most ground covers will perform best in a well-drained, good loam soil. Work the soil to a depth of 6 to 12 inches, either by hand or with a power tiller. If the soil is heavy, the addition of peat moss or other organic matter will help. Mulch is recommended before planting in most cases. The mulch will get the ground cover bed established by inhibiting the growth of weeds, keeping soil temperatures moderate, conserving moisture in the soil, reducing erosion, and preventing crusting or drying of the soil surface.
Mulches also give the planting beds a pleasing, natural appearance.
Mulching materials should be clean and weed free. Apply one to two inches of a fine-textured mulch for small, more delicate, and low growing plants. Two or four inches of mulch should be used for larger and shrub-like plants. Set the plants in the soil at the same depth as they were growing in the nursery. Firm the soil around the roots to insure that no air pockets remain.