Top 5 edible plants for ground cover

These edible ground cover plants are perfect for the garden and will ensure plenty of ground is covered with pretty plants. Not just great for weed control but also really easy to grow, quick to cover bare soil and great for wildlife too. No need for bare soil with these plants that have the added bonus of being edible as well! That’s a win-win for you and your garden. Some are wonderfully fragrant, and others will attract beneficial insects to help your garden thrive as a biodiverse space. 

Five edible ground-covering plants

1. Garden Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)

With pink or purple flowers from late spring throughout early summer, Thyme is a really pretty plant to grow as ground cover. It can even be lightly walked on, which will help to release the beautiful fragrance, and the plants can be used in cooking. Plant in a sunny spot in well-drained soil, and it will thrive. 

2. Lemon Thyme (Thymus citriodorus)

For a citrus twist on garden thyme, try Lemon Thyme instead or even Orange Thyme! The fragrance is wonderful, and it will soon cover the ground. Lemon Thyme can be used as a garnish or in dishes such as seafood and vegetables. It also looks great growing along the cracks of pavements. Same as Garden Thyme, plant in a sunny spot in well-drained soil. 

3. Alpine Strawberries

With a sweet and tasty flavour, the tiny fruits are pretty and edible. Plants will grow along the ground and can tolerate light feet but better to save the fruits to eat than crush them underfoot. Ideal for neglected spaces. Either sow seeds over winter under cover or plant out plants when the weather warms up. 

4. Oregano (Origanum vulgare)

An excellent herb that can be used as ground cover. The fragrance is distinctly recognisable after rainfall and is used in many recipes. Oregano is a great herb also to grow to deter pests and keep weeds at bay. This can be grown in containers or in the ground and is an easy plant to grow. 

5. Roman Chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile)

Grow as ground cover in beds and borders or as a scented lawn, Roman Chamomile has a fresh, feathery and white flowering appearance, and yes, you can step on it! Cover ground fast, let the pollinators enjoy the flowers and then harvest them for a refreshing, medicinal tea. Grow in full sun and partial shade with well-drained soil. 

It’s very easy to grow ground cover, and there are plenty available that are also edible so take your pick from the many ways to cover ground easily with fragrant and edible plants. 

Choose from our selection of ground cover plants in store for your garden.