Stop Weeds From Growing Between Pavers With A Natural Solution

Weeds take advantage of every little space they can creep into, including the cracks between your garden's flagstones and pavers. If this has happened to you, chances are you've tried several chemical methods to get rid of and prevent weeds from growing in your pavers. Unfortunately, commercial weed killers can have negative impacts on the environment, like soil degradation, water contamination, and harm to unintended organisms. Application of these chemicals can also be harmful to pets if ingested. And after all of that, weeds often develop a resistance to herbicides, making these treatments less effective over time. If you're tired of fighting with weeds, there's another method you can try to keep them out of your pavers.

Low-growing ground cover plants, such as creeping thyme (Thymus praecox), act as a natural barrier to weeds. This perennial herb is attractive, fragrant, and most importantly, it fills the spaces between your pavers with something desirable. Plus, creeping thyme requires minimal upkeep, making it a no-brainer solution for keeping weeds at bay.

It's essential to determine your space, sunlight, and soil conditions before using fragrant creeping thyme as a ground cover. Creeping thyme requires six or more hours of direct sunlight per day and well-draining soil. There should also be at least a few inches of space between each paver. Creeping thyme isn't picky about its soil, and it tolerates sandy soils and shallow rock. This ground cover is perennial in USDA hardiness zones 5 to 8.

If you plan to grow creeping thyme from seeds, wait to do so until after the last frost. You can also start seeds indoors and transplant them in spring or early fall. Plant them 12 inches apart and cover lightly with soil. They will likely take two to three weeks to germinate. If planting established plants, leave about 6 inches of space between each to give the roots room to spread. Once creeping thyme is established, it's highly tolerant of drought and requires minimal watering. If it creeps too far over your pavers, you can trim it with scissors to maintain a clean, precise look. With proper care, you can enjoy purple, aromatic blooms in summer and evergreen foliage year round.