How to Prepare a Flower Bed for Monkey Grass

"Monkey Grass" is a hardy evergreen groundcover that tolerates both sun and shade. Many gardeners plant monkey grass on sloped hills where traditional grass maintenance isn't feasible or beneath large trees since the plant doesn't complete with tree roots. Monkey grass is tolerant of many conditions but prefers well-draining soil above all else. Other than adding a buffer zone between the monkey grass and other elements in your garden, prepare the soil in your flowerbed for monkey grass in the same basic manner as you would any other plant.

Rototiller
Soil test kit
Compost
General-purpose fertilizer
Rake
Spade
Mulch or pine straw

Instructions

- 1
  Prepare the soil for planting by tilling at least 6 inches down. Remove rocks, debris and weeds by hand.
- 2
  Test the soil using a do-it-yourself kit or through an extension office. Amend the soil as indicated by the testing. Monkey grass grows best in balanced, well-draining soil.
- 3
  Apply a general-purpose fertilizer to the soil before planting the monkey grass, and work it in with a rake.
- 4
  Create a buffer zone between planting site for the monkey grass and other flowers or the lawn. Leave a 6- to 12-inch border between the sections to prevent the monkey grass from becoming overrun with other plants or weeds.
- 5
  Apply mulch or pine straw in the buffer zone to prevent other growth.
- 6
  Dig a hole slightly deeper than the roots and about twice the width of the roots. Plant monkey grass clumps about 6 inches apart in staggered rows, and backfill the planting with soil. The spaces should fill in naturally over the next two years.
- 7
  Water-in the plants until the soil is moist but not soggy.
- 8
  Apply pine straw or mulch between the plants to control weeds and retain moisture levels.

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